LOS ALAMITOS POLICE DEPARTMENT
Michael R. McCrary, Chief of Police

3201 Katella Avenue, Los Alamitos, CA  90720  |  Business (562) 431-2255  |  24-Hour Police Service/Dispatch (562) 594-7232  |  EMERGENCY 9-1-1
 
June 13, 2005 at 8:00 p.m.

State OES Reminds Californians of Aftershocks From Today�s Quake, Importance of Earthquake Preparedness

SACRAMENTO � The Governor�s Office of Emergency Services reminds Southern Californians that the potential for large aftershocks will remain over the next seven days as a result of the magnitude 5.6 earthquake that hit the desert region south of Palm Springs this morning.

The United States Geological Survey and the Caltech Seismological Laboratory in Pasadena have notified OES that there is a 20-percent chance of a strong and potentially damaging aftershock in the next seven days.

�We are fortunate that today�s earthquake struck the desert region and caused little damage,� said OES Director Henry Renteria. �This aftershock warning, coupled with the normal risk of major earthquakes in California, serves to remind us all to be responsible, be prepared, and be ready.�

OES recommends the following actions to protect you during an earthquake:

In your home or in a building � DROP, COVER and HOLD under a sturdy table or desk, hold on, and protect your eyes by pressing your face against your arm. If there is no table or desk or you cannot get under one, move to a nearby inside wall, crouch down and protect your eyes and head with your arms as best you can.

Outside � Find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Drop to the ground.

In your car � Slow down and drive to a clear place (as described above). Stay in the car until the shaking stops.

Above all � If you are indoors, do not rush outside. If you are outside, do not rush into a building. You are more likely to be injured by falling items while going outside or hit by items falling off the building you are trying to leave or go back in to.

For more information about the potential for aftershocks visit the CALTECH/USGS aftershock warning Web site at https://pasadena.wr.usgs.gov/step/ and the California Integrated Seismic Network website at https://www.cisn.org.

To find out how you can get prepared today � get your free copy of the 10 Ways You Can Be Disaster Prepared brochure at the OES �Be Smart. Be Responsible. Be Prepared. Be Ready!� Web site � www.oes.ca.gov.