Southern California is earthquake country, and a damaging quake can strike without warning. Knowing what to do before, during and after the shaking can keep you and your loved ones safe. Check recent activity, review the steps below, and take a few minutes today to prepare.
Live feed of seismic activity within 80 km of Los Angeles County (magnitude 1.5+, past 7 days). Data provided by the U.S. Geological Survey for information only.
Interactive map. Use the arrow keys to pan and the plus and minus keys to zoom. Press Tab to move between earthquake markers, then Enter to read the details of one. Every earthquake on the map is also listed as text below the map.
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Recent earthquakes, most recent first
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Magnitude:
Under 2
2–3
3–4
4–5
5+
Know Your Risk
Look up earthquakes and other hazards for your address with Cal OES MyHazards.
Staying Safe: After an Earthquake
- Expect aftershocks to follow a large earthquake.
- Check yourself for injury and aid others (if you have training to do so).
- If you’re in a damaged building, when instructed and safe to do so, go outside and move away from the building to the designated safe zones or areas.
- Don’t enter damaged buildings. Save phone calls for emergencies.
- If you are in an area that may experience tsunamis, go inland or to higher ground immediately after the shaking stops.
- Once safe, monitor local news reports via radio, television, social media, and cell phone text alerts for emergency information and instructions.
- Use extreme caution during post-disaster clean-up of buildings and around debris. Don’t attempt to remove heavy debris by yourself. Wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves, and sturdy, thick-soled shoes during clean-up.
Quick Tip: What to Do if You are Trapped After an Earthquake
If you are trapped, cover your mouth to keep debris out of your lungs and airways. Send a text, bang on a pipe or wall, or use a whistle instead of shouting so that first responders and rescuers can locate you.
Staying Safe: During an Earthquake
If you are indoors
- If you are INDOORS, stay there.
- If able to do so, DROP, COVER and HOLD ON or LOCK, COVER and HOLD ON for wheelchair or walker users.
- If you’re in a damaged building, when instructed and safe to do so, go outside and move away from the building to the designated safe zones or areas.
- If there is a sturdy table or desk available, get under it and HOLD ON until the shaking stops.
- If you are in an area that may experience tsunamis, go inland or to higher ground immediately after the shaking stops.
- Do not run outside or inside your home, since debris may fall and injure you.
If you are in a vehicle
- If you are in a VEHICLE, pull over and stop in a safe area away from buildings, trees, overpasses, underpasses or utility wires.
- Make sure to set the parking brake so that the vehicle does not move during the shaking.
- Stay inside your vehicle until the shaking subsides.
If you are in a Sports Stadium or Theater
- If you are in a SPORTS STADIUM OR THEATER, stay at your seat, or if able to do so safely, DROP to floor between the rows, COVER by protecting your head and neck with your arms and HOLD ON if possible.
- Do not attempt to leave until the shaking stops.
- Then, follow the instructions from the sports stadium or theater staff or officials. Walk carefully, watching for anything that could fall or injure you if there are aftershocks.
If you are near the shore
- If you are NEAR THE SHORE, if able to do so, DROP, COVER and HOLD ON until the shaking subsides.
- If severe shaking lasts 20 seconds or more, immediately move to higher ground as a tsunami might have been generated by the earthquake.
- It is recommended to move inland two miles or to land that is 100 feet above sea level immediately.
- Do not wait for officials to issue a warning. Move quickly, and avoid debris and other hazards.
If you are in bed
- If you are in BED, stay there.
- COVER your head and neck with a pillow or blanket.
If you are in a high-rise or public building
- DROP, COVER and HOLD ON if able to do so or LOCK, COVER and HOLD ON or for wheelchair or walker users, or protect your head and neck area as best as possible.
- Expect fire alarms and sprinklers to be activated.
- Do not use elevators.
- When the shaking subsides, move to the designated zones or areas for evacuation and evaluate your next safe action.
- Do not run outside or inside a building, since debris may fall and injure you.
If you are Outdoors
- If you are OUTDOORS, stay there.
- Move away from wires, buildings and anything else that could fall and hurt you, but only if you can safely do so. Otherwise, stay where you are and DROP, COVER and HOLD ON if able to do so or LOCK, COVER and HOLD ON for wheelchair or walker users or protect your head and neck area as best as possible.
If you are near slopes, cliffs or mountains
- If you are NEAR SLOPES, CLIFFS OR MOUNTAINS, be alert for falling rocks and landslides.
Quick Tip: Doorway Earthquake Myth
During an earthquake, if you are indoors, do not get into a doorway. You may be injured by falling debris caused by the earthquake.
Before an Earthquake: Preparedness Tips
- Encourage your family, friends and co-workers to practice DROP, COVER and HOLD ON or LOCK, COVER and HOLD ON (for wheelchair or walker users) drills at home and at work.
- Create a family and a workplace emergency plan that includes how they will contact or reconnect with you if separated. Make sure that there is also an out-of-state contact too. Find more information on making plans for emergencies and disasters.
- Remind your family, friends and co-workers to be prepared by knowing their evacuation routes.
- Make a disaster supply kit that includes enough food, water and medications that could last for at least 10 days. View more information on keeping supplies for emergencies and disasters.
- Secure televisions, monitors, bookcases or other items that hang on walls. Store heavy and breakable items on low shelves.
- Inspect the inside and outside of your home, dwelling or property for items that could be damaged or fall and cause injury. Secure these identified items with braces, bolts, straps and other materials available at disaster preparedness outlets.
- Get involved – enroll in First Aid, CPR and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) trainings in your community. Find more information on how to get involved.
- If you own a home, consider obtaining an earthquake insurance policy. Standard homeowner’s insurance does not cover earthquake damage.
- If you are a property owner, consider a retrofit of your building to correct structural issues that make it vulnerable to collapse during an earthquake.
Know Your Risk
Know your earthquake risk and take action today. The tools and partners below—available through the California Office of Emergency Services and other statewide partners—help residents, businesses, schools and community-based organizations prepare for a potential earthquake:
- Look up the earthquake hazards for your address and explore accessible preparedness tools with MyHazards and Cal OES, so you know exactly what to plan for.
- Join the Great California ShakeOut on October 15 and practice Drop, Cover and Hold On—free multilingual campaign materials make it easy for your workplace, school or organization to take part.
- Stay ready year-round with local partners like L.A. County Fire CERT, the Earthquake Country Alliance Speakers Bureau and the Southern California Earthquake Center, turning earthquake readiness into an ongoing habit rather than a once-a-year event.
Preparedness Tools & Partners
Resource Videos
Hazard County: Earthquakes
Condado de Hazard: Terremotos
Earthquake simulation along the San Andreas Fault
Earthquake Safety Video – Mobility Disabilities
Build an Emergency Kit for Under $25
Resource Links
Los Angeles County residents and business owners, including persons with disabilities and others with access and functional needs may call 211 LA County for emergency preparedness information and other referral services. The toll-free 2-1-1 number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 211 LA County services can also be accessed online by visiting www.211la.org.
