Preparation Key to Earthquake Survival

As residents of California, there's no reason any person should be unprepared for an earthquake.

That was the message of Thursday's event at the , which was just one location state-wide that participated in the Great California Shake-Out.

The annual event shines a light on the importance of needing to be prepared for when a major earthquake strikes the region. Not just for the immediate needs, but for the long term, said Kathleen Springer, the museum's senior curator of geological sciences.

She spoke to a group of people at the museum after the state-wide drill at 10:20 a.m., and reminded those in attendance that emergency responders will likely be tied up with major damage, and may not get to some locations right away. It's why she recommends people have enough water to last 30 days in case.

It's a message she has taken to various groups, and she is starting to see it sink in.

"I go talk to groups, and have seen entire communities that are prepared," she said. "That's 150 houses that are prepared and into it. Entire neighborhoods have embraced the Shake-Out. Entire neighborhoods are communicating with each other, and that's a beautiful thing."

One of the points she made throughout her presentation was about the various resources available online for residents to get tips to be prepared. Sites such as ShakeOut.org and TotallyUnprepared.com are able to give ideas and directions for preparing for the big one.

"Shakeout.org is a wonderful site to get you ready," she said. "It has resources for homes, businesses, hospitals, faith-based groups, museums, people with access needs."

The point of prepardness is an important one, she told the group. The Cajon Pass -- a major artery for not only for getting to Las Vegas, but for trucking and train deliveries, as well as water, natural gas and fiber optic lines -- is a major threat for a quake.

And if that's not enough reason, the recent major earthquakes in Haiti, Chile and Japan have helped educate people on the importance.

"The experiences of what's happening resonates," she said. "We're just trying to refine the message to be ready."