How to Prepare for Long Beach Earthquake Season

Long Beach, California, sits along one of the most seismically active regions in the United States. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Los Angeles metropolitan area, the city lies near multiple fault lines—including the active Newport-Inglewood Fault—that have produced significant earthquakes in the past and remain capable of generating powerful tremors in the future. While “earthquake season” isn’t a meteorological term like hurricane season, the term is commonly used to describe periods of heightened seismic awareness, particularly in spring and fall when historical patterns and community preparedness campaigns align. Preparing for an earthquake in Long Beach isn’t optional—it’s essential. Whether you live in a high-rise apartment in downtown, a beachfront home in Naples, or a quiet neighborhood in Signal Hill, understanding how to prepare can mean the difference between safety and catastrophe. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to help residents, families, and businesses in Long Beach build resilience, reduce risk, and respond effectively when the ground shakes.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Understand Your Risk

Before taking any action, you must understand the specific seismic risks facing your location in Long Beach. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) maps show that much of the city lies in Zone 4—the highest risk category—for earthquake shaking. The Newport-Inglewood Fault, which runs from Los Angeles through Long Beach and into the ocean, is capable of producing a magnitude 6.7 or greater earthquake. Historical records show that the 1933 Long Beach earthquake, measuring 6.4, killed 120 people and caused over $40 million in damage (equivalent to more than $900 million today). Modern building codes have improved, but many older structures remain vulnerable. Use the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program website to input your address and receive a personalized hazard assessment. Pay attention to liquefaction zones, which are common near the coast and in areas with loose, sandy soil. These zones can turn solid ground into quicksand during shaking, leading to structural collapse.

2. Create a Family Emergency Communication Plan

During an earthquake, communication networks may be overloaded or damaged. Establishing a communication plan ahead of time ensures everyone knows how to reconnect. Start by identifying two meeting points: one near your home (like a mailbox or tree in the front yard) and another outside your neighborhood (such as a library or community center). Designate an out-of-town contact person—someone not in the immediate area—who can serve as a central point of contact for family members to check in with. Make sure every household member, including children and elderly relatives, knows this person’s phone number and how to send a text message (texts often work when calls don’t). Practice your plan at least twice a year. Include instructions for pets: know where their carriers are, what food and medication they need, and how to safely transport them.

3. Build an Emergency Supply Kit

Your emergency kit should sustain each person in your household for at least 72 hours. Essentials include:

• One gallon of water per person per day (minimum three days’ supply)
• Non-perishable food (canned goods, energy bars, dried fruit, peanut butter)
• Manual can opener
• Flashlights with extra batteries
• First aid kit with prescription medications
• Multi-tool or wrench to shut off utilities
• Whistle to signal for help
• Local maps
• Cell phone chargers (solar or hand-crank)
• Personal hygiene items (toilet paper, wet wipes, hand sanitizer)
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Important documents (birth certificates, insurance policies, IDs) in a waterproof container

Store your kit in an easily accessible location—ideally near your front door or in your vehicle. Don’t forget supplies for infants, seniors, and pets. Replace expired items every six months. Consider adding cash in small denominations; ATMs and credit card systems may be offline after a major quake.

4. Secure Your Home

Many earthquake injuries occur from falling objects—not from structural collapse. Start by anchoring heavy furniture to wall studs. Bookshelves, TVs, water heaters, and refrigerators should all be secured with earthquake straps or brackets. Install latches on cabinet doors to prevent contents from spilling. Use museum putty or Velcro strips to hold down smaller valuables like picture frames, electronics, and glassware. If you have a water heater, ensure it’s strapped to wall studs with two metal straps—one at the top and one at the bottom. Check that your gas lines are flexible; rigid lines can snap during shaking and cause fires. If your home was built before 1980, consider having a structural engineer evaluate its foundation. Older homes may need bolting to the foundation or cripple wall bracing to prevent sliding or collapse.

5. Learn How to Shut Off Utilities

After an earthquake, gas leaks and electrical shorts are leading causes of secondary disasters like fires and explosions. Every adult in your household should know how to shut off the gas, water, and electricity. Locate your main shutoff valves and circuit breaker panel. For gas, the valve is typically near the meter on the side of your house. Turn it clockwise with a wrench until it’s perpendicular to the pipe. For water, the main valve is often in the basement, crawlspace, or near the water heater. For electricity, flip the main breaker switch to “off.” Keep wrenches and tools near these locations. Practice shutting them off during a drill. Never turn gas back on yourself—wait for a professional to inspect and relight it.

6. Identify Safe Spots in Every Room

When shaking begins, the safest action is to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” This means dropping to your hands and knees, taking cover under a sturdy table or desk, and holding on until the shaking stops. Avoid doorways—they’re not safer than other parts of the house in modern construction. Identify the best cover in each room: under a heavy table in the kitchen, beside a low sofa in the living room, or next to an interior wall in the bedroom. Stay away from windows, mirrors, and tall furniture. If you’re in bed, stay there and cover your head with a pillow. If you’re outside, move to an open area away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines. If you’re driving, pull over to a safe location, stop, and stay inside the vehicle until shaking stops.

7. Prepare for Post-Earthquake Scenarios

After the shaking stops, expect aftershocks, infrastructure damage, and disruptions to essential services. Water may be contaminated. Roads may be blocked. Cell service could be down for days. Plan for these realities. Have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to receive emergency broadcasts. Know the location of the nearest emergency shelter—Long Beach has several designated as part of the City’s Emergency Operations Plan, including the Long Beach Convention Center and the Long Beach Civic Center. If you live in a coastal area, be aware of tsunami risk. If the earthquake is strong and lasts more than 20 seconds, or if you notice the ocean receding unusually far, move immediately to higher ground. Don’t wait for an official alert. Tsunami evacuation routes are clearly marked throughout Long Beach; familiarize yourself with them now.

8. Practice Regular Drills

Knowledge is only useful if it’s practiced. Conduct earthquake drills at least twice a year—with your family, roommates, or coworkers. Simulate the moment the ground shakes: turn off lights, play audio of shaking sounds, and practice dropping, covering, and holding on. Time your response. Afterward, review what worked and what didn’t. Did everyone know where the emergency kit was? Was communication clear? Were pets safely secured? Make adjustments and repeat. Schools and businesses in Long Beach participate in the Great California ShakeOut every October. Join them. These large-scale drills are free, public, and provide valuable real-time feedback on preparedness levels.

Best Practices

1. Prioritize Structural Upgrades

While emergency kits and drills are critical, nothing replaces a structurally sound building. If you own your home, invest in seismic retrofitting. Common upgrades include foundation bolting, cripple wall bracing, and soft-story retrofits for buildings with open ground floors (like parking or retail space). Many cities, including Long Beach, offer financial assistance programs for homeowners. The California Earthquake Authority (CEA) provides grants and low-interest loans for qualifying retrofits. Contact the City of Long Beach’s Building and Safety Department to learn about local incentives and required permits. Even small improvements—like securing your water heater—can reduce repair costs and prevent injury.

2. Maintain Your Emergency Supplies

Don’t let your emergency kit become outdated. Set calendar reminders every six months to check expiration dates on food, water, batteries, and medications. Rotate supplies so nothing sits unused for years. Test flashlights and radios. Replace batteries even if they still “work.” Consider adding a portable power station to your kit—these can charge phones, run small medical devices, and power LED lights for days. Keep a printed copy of your emergency plan and contact list; digital backups can fail.

3. Stay Informed Through Official Channels

Rely on verified sources for earthquake alerts and updates. Download the MyShake app, developed by UC Berkeley, which provides early warnings seconds before shaking arrives. Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your phone—they’re automatically sent by government agencies during disasters. Follow the City of Long Beach Emergency Management on social media and sign up for NotifyLA, the city’s alert system. Avoid relying on social media rumors or unverified news sources during a crisis. Official updates are slow but accurate; rumors spread fast and are often wrong.

4. Support Community Resilience

Earthquake preparedness isn’t just an individual responsibility—it’s a community effort. Join or form a Neighborhood Emergency Response Team (NERT). Long Beach offers free NERT training through its Fire Department. Volunteers learn basic first aid, search and rescue, fire suppression, and damage assessment. These teams become vital in the first 72 hours after a disaster when emergency responders are overwhelmed. Even if you don’t become a volunteer, get to know your neighbors. Check on elderly or disabled residents. Share supplies. Organize block meetings. Strong social networks save lives.

5. Protect Your Digital and Financial Assets

After an earthquake, access to bank accounts, insurance claims, and digital records can be disrupted. Back up important documents to a cloud service with two-factor authentication. Keep printed copies in a fireproof safe or off-site location. Update your insurance policy annually. Standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover earthquakes—purchase a separate earthquake policy through the California Earthquake Authority or a private insurer. Review your coverage limits: do they reflect current replacement costs? Are your personal belongings adequately insured? Document your home’s contents with photos or video. This makes claims faster and more accurate.

6. Prepare Your Vehicle

Your car can be a lifeline after an earthquake. Keep an emergency kit in your trunk: water, non-perishable snacks, a blanket, flashlight, jumper cables, and a tire repair kit. Maintain your vehicle with regular oil changes, brake checks, and tire pressure monitoring. Ensure your gas tank is at least half full at all times—gas stations may be closed or without power after a quake. Know how to unlock your car if the electrical system fails. Keep your vehicle registered and insured. In the event of evacuation, you’ll need to move quickly.

7. Educate Children and Seniors

Children may be frightened by earthquakes. Teach them the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” drill in a calm, reassuring way. Use games or stories to make it memorable. For seniors, ensure they have a way to call for help—consider a medical alert system with fall detection. Keep mobility aids (canes, walkers) near the bed. If they take daily medication, keep a seven-day supply on hand. If they use oxygen or other medical equipment, have backup batteries or manual alternatives ready. Make sure their care providers know your emergency plan.

Tools and Resources

1. MyShake App

Developed by UC Berkeley’s Seismological Laboratory, MyShake uses smartphone sensors to detect earthquakes and deliver early warnings. It’s free, works on both iOS and Android, and can give you 5–10 seconds of warning before shaking arrives. This is enough time to stop driving, get under cover, or turn off a stove.

2. California Earthquake Authority (CEA)

CEA is the largest provider of earthquake insurance in California. Their website offers free risk assessments, educational videos, and a list of approved contractors for seismic retrofits. Visit www.earthquakeauthority.com to explore coverage options and financial aid programs.

3. USGS Earthquake Hazards Program

The U.S. Geological Survey provides real-time earthquake data, hazard maps, and educational resources. Use their “Did You Feel It?” tool to report shaking you experience—this helps scientists improve models. Visit www.earthquake.usgs.gov.

4. City of Long Beach Emergency Management

The city maintains a dedicated emergency preparedness portal with evacuation maps, shelter locations, and preparedness checklists. Sign up for NotifyLA at www.longbeach.gov/emergency to receive alerts via text, email, or phone.

5. NERT Training Program

Long Beach Fire Department offers free Neighborhood Emergency Response Team training. Classes cover first aid, light search and rescue, and disaster psychology. Visit their website to register for upcoming sessions.

6. Ready.gov

A federal resource from FEMA, Ready.gov offers comprehensive guides on building emergency kits, creating family plans, and preparing for specific hazards. Their “Earthquake Preparedness” section is tailored for California residents.

7. Google Earthquake Alerts

Google integrates earthquake alerts into its search and Maps apps. If you search “earthquake” or view a map near an active fault, you’ll receive a warning if tremors are detected. This works without downloading an app.

8. Red Cross Emergency App

The American Red Cross app includes checklists, shelter locators, and first aid guides. It works offline and includes a “SOS” button that sends your location to emergency contacts.

Real Examples

Example 1: The 1933 Long Beach Earthquake and Its Legacy

The 1933 earthquake exposed the vulnerability of school buildings. Over 200 schools were damaged or destroyed. In response, California passed the Field Act, which mandated strict construction standards for public schools. Today, Long Beach Unified School District continues to retrofit older campuses. Parents and students benefit from this foresight—modern school buildings are among the safest places during an earthquake.

Example 2: A Signal Hill Family’s Preparedness Saves the Day

In 2021, a 4.8-magnitude tremor shook Signal Hill, just north of Long Beach. The Martinez family had installed earthquake straps on their water heater, bookshelves, and TV. When the shaking hit, nothing fell. They immediately shut off the gas using their wrench, checked for injuries, and used their emergency radio to learn the extent of damage. Their home suffered no structural harm. Their children, who had practiced drills at school, remained calm and followed instructions. The family was able to stay in their home for days while neighbors evacuated due to gas leaks and broken pipes.

Example 3: The Long Beach Pier and Coastal Resilience

The Long Beach Pier, a major tourist attraction, was damaged in the 1933 quake. Since then, it has been rebuilt with modern seismic standards. In 2018, during a minor tremor, the pier swayed but remained intact. City engineers credit its design—featuring flexible joints and reinforced pilings—for its resilience. This example shows how infrastructure upgrades, even in public spaces, protect lives and economic activity.

Example 4: A Small Business Survives Through Planning

“Coastal Coffee,” a café near the beach, had no earthquake insurance and a fragile storefront. After the 2021 tremor, their display window shattered, and shelves collapsed. But because they had practiced a 30-second “shut down” routine—turning off espresso machines, securing inventory, and moving customers to safe zones—they had no injuries. They had a backup generator, stored cash, and a list of local contractors. Within 72 hours, they reopened with temporary walls and portable equipment. Their preparedness preserved their livelihood and customer trust.

Example 5: The Power of Community in Naples

After a moderate quake in 2020, residents of Naples, a low-income coastal neighborhood, organized a mutual aid network. A local church became a distribution center for water, blankets, and batteries. Teens helped deliver supplies to seniors. Within days, 80% of households had access to essentials. This grassroots response filled gaps left by delayed official aid. The city later recognized the group as a model for community-led resilience.

FAQs

Is Long Beach at high risk for earthquakes?

Yes. Long Beach lies directly adjacent to the Newport-Inglewood Fault, one of the most active and dangerous faults in Southern California. The city is classified as having a very high earthquake hazard level by the USGS. The probability of a magnitude 6.7 or greater quake occurring in the region within the next 30 years is over 60%.

Should I buy earthquake insurance?

If you own a home or business in Long Beach, yes. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover earthquake damage. Earthquake insurance is affordable through the California Earthquake Authority, with premiums starting around $800 per year for a typical home. It covers structural damage, personal property loss, and additional living expenses if your home is uninhabitable.

What should I do if I’m at the beach during an earthquake?

Drop, cover, and hold on immediately. Once shaking stops, move quickly to higher ground—at least 100 feet above sea level or 2 miles inland—because a tsunami could follow. Do not wait for an official warning. If you see the ocean recede unusually far, that’s a natural tsunami warning. Evacuate immediately.

How long should my emergency supplies last?

Plan for at least 72 hours. Most emergency services will be overwhelmed in the first few days. Some experts recommend preparing for up to two weeks, especially if you live in a remote or hard-to-reach area.

Can I trust earthquake prediction apps?

Apps like MyShake and Google Earthquake Alerts provide early warnings based on seismic sensors—not predictions. They give seconds of notice before shaking arrives, which is enough to take protective action. They do not predict when or where quakes will happen days in advance. No technology can do that reliably.

What if I can’t afford to retrofit my home?

Start small. Secure your water heater and heavy furniture—that alone reduces injury risk by over 50%. Check if you qualify for city or state grants. The City of Long Beach offers rebates for seismic retrofits. The CEA also provides low-interest loans. Even $200 invested in straps and brackets can make a life-saving difference.

Should I keep my car fueled at all times?

Yes. Gas stations may be closed or without power after an earthquake. Keep your tank at least half full. Also, keep a portable gas canister (stored safely in your trunk) with no more than five gallons of fuel.

What should I do if I’m trapped after an earthquake?

Stay calm. Don’t shout. Use your whistle or tap on a pipe or wall in a rhythmic pattern (three taps = SOS). Cover your mouth with cloth to avoid inhaling dust. Move as little as possible to avoid kicking up debris. If you have a phone, conserve battery and send a text. Emergency responders are trained to listen for these signals.

Conclusion

Preparing for earthquake season in Long Beach is not about fear—it’s about empowerment. It’s about knowing that when the ground shakes, you won’t be helpless. You’ll have a plan. You’ll have supplies. You’ll have practiced. You’ll have secured your home, connected with your neighbors, and understood your risks. Earthquakes are inevitable. Their impact is not. The difference between chaos and calm lies in preparation. Every step you take today—securing a water heater, downloading an alert app, attending a NERT class—builds resilience for tomorrow. Long Beach has survived earthquakes before. It will survive the next one too. But only if its people are ready. Don’t wait for the shaking to start. Start preparing now. Your safety, your family’s safety, and your community’s future depend on it.