Earthquakes are mysterious natural phenomena that result from Earth’s tectonic plates shifting. They’re sudden, rapid, and sometimes fatal. They cause cities to shake and can sometimes lead to fires, landslides, avalanches, and tsunamis.

California is notorious for “random” earthquakes. While not every quake results in devastation, it can still be dangerous. Here are five ways to prepare for earthquakes in California to keep your friends and family safe.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

You never know what can happen during an earthquake, so it’s important to be prepared for an emergency. By creating an emergency kit, you will have items ready to make the aftermath a bit smoother. You should have the following items in your kit:

• Sturdy shoes
• Cash and credit cards
• Essential medicines
• First aid kit
• Batteries
• Flashlights
• Radio
• Emergency food and water
• Can opener

Create a Family Plan

Prioritize your family’s safety. Although it may be scary, sticking to the plan and educating your family about earthquake safety will keep everyone out of harm’s way. If you have children, teach them how and when to call 9-1-1, the police, or the fire department when disaster strikes. You should create a list of radio stations to tune into for information about disaster relief.

Devise plans for emergency contacts, meeting spots, and safe routes to take if you need to evacuate your home. Also, ensure that everyone knows the safety practice of “drop, cover, and hold on” during an earthquake.

Tip: Ask a family member or friend who does not live in California to become a family contact. When an earthquake strikes, everyone should check in with them to mark themselves as safe.

Inform Your Family and Friends

Another way to prepare for earthquakes in California is by preparing your family, friends, or roommates with essential information. Plan for any scenario, such as meeting spots if you’re separated, how to call someone if cell towers go down, or who to call in case of an emergency. You want all family and friends to be aware of your whereabouts, so keeping them informed about your plan is key.

Protect Your Home

Your home is one of your most valuable assets. Disasters don’t discriminate, whether you own or rent property. Furniture can topple over, walls and foundations can lift, and so many other disasters can occur. It’s important to protect yourself financially with insurance. Saferoad Insurance offers home and renters' insurance in Los Angeles, CA and surrounding cities to protect you against unforeseen incidents.

Know Your Neighbors and Community Members

When emergencies hit, we only have each other to lean on. It’s important to know your neighbors and community members. Devastation can be instant, and the effects can last for a while—sometimes years. Knowing the names of the people around you will make a big difference in an emergency. You never know if you may need to borrow blankets, batteries, water, or shelter.