Earthquakes, Geology and Fault Lines

Living in Southern California means living with the threat of an 8.0 earthquake. Use the map provided by the City of Santa Clarita to choose a home on solid ground, find out how to create a disaster preparedness plan, what to do in an earthquake, and where you can practice your urban survival skills.


CalOES Video
The Governor's Office of Emergency Services released this video looking back on the January 17, 1994 Northridge Earthquake.


Updated Information on Recent Earthquakes in Santa Clarita Valley
In the event an earthquake shakes the ground under the Santa Clarita Valley, the City of Santa Clarita will provide updated information to local residents and visitors.


Emergency Expo
Every year the City of Santa Clarita puts on the exciting, and very educational, Emergency Expo. Purchase your emergency supplies, see live demonstrations, step through the "Quake Walk," visit with Smokey the Bear, and become a "trauma victim." This free event is designed to be fun while helping your family prepare for a natural disaster. Don't miss it!


Earthquakes

Was that an earthquake you just felt?
Earthquakes are a daily occurrence in California, most so small they may not be detected by residents busy with everyday life. But occasionally you feel a little vibration and would like to check it out. View a map and get details on the most recent earthquakes in California. You'll even have an opportunity to submit your own report to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Earthquake Dos and Don'ts
What should you do during an earthquake? Well, don't head for the doorway unless you live in an old, unreinforced adobe house. In modern homes doorways are no stronger than any other parts of the house and usually have doors that will swing and can injure you. YOU ARE SAFER PRACTICING THE DUCK, COVER, AND HOLD under a sturdy piece of furniture. Learn this and more.

If an Earthquake Strikes Santa Clarita
Learn what will happen, what to do, where help will come from, and what to expect from your insurance company in the event of an earthquake. (You do need to purchase earthquake insurance separately to be covered in this event.)

Disaster Preparedness
In addition to earthquakes, be prepared for whatever nature or man may toss your way.

The Department of Homeland Security recommends keeping a survival kit to sustain your family for 72 hours. However, help didn't begin to arrive to Hurricane Katrina victims in New Orleans for 120 hours. You'll find guidelines here on packing your own kit. And be sure to familiarize yourself with alternate routes in and out of your neighborhood AND the Santa Clarita Valley.

C.E.R.T. - Community Emergency Response Training
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, many Southern Californians found themselves pondering if emergency agencies would respond more promptly to a major earthquake or other disaster here. Rather than leave your life in the hands of others, why not plan ahead by taking a brief, yet effective, course to prepare yourself, your loved ones, and your co-workers to survive and assist one another? This Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) certified course is under the leadership of the City of Santa Clarita and the County of Los Angeles Fire Department.

Earthquake Links

Cal OES

California Seismic Safety Commission

Welcome to Earthquake Country: Southern California

California Geological Society

California Integrated Seismic Network (CISN)

USGS Southern California Earthquake Hazards

Southern California Seismic Network

Southern California Earthquake Data Center


Geology and Fault Lines

Southern California Regional Rocks and Roads
Understand the geology of Santa Clarita.

Clickable Fault Map of Southern California
A map covering most of Los Angeles


Updated January 18, 2019