WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GET READY FOR AN EARTHQUAKE?

The best time to prepare for an earthquake is before it happens. 

As obvious as that statement seems, the sad fact is that most earthquake readiness occurs following an earthquake. 

People often wait until after experiencing an earthquake to prepare for future events due to a variety of reasons:

1. Complacency: If someone hasn't experienced an earthquake before or hasn't experienced one in a long time, they might not feel the urgency to prepare until it's too late.
2. Denial: Some individuals may deny the possibility of an earthquake occurring in their area or underestimate the potential impact, leading them to postpone preparations until they witness the reality firsthand.
3. Procrastination: People might delay acting on preparedness measures due to other priorities or a belief that they'll have time to prepare later.
4. Lack of awareness: Some individuals may not be fully informed about the risks and potential consequences of earthquakes, so they don't realize the importance of preparation until after an event occurs.
5. Cost and effort: Preparing for earthquakes often involves investment in time, money, and effort, which some people may be hesitant to commit to until they see the immediate need.
6. Overconfidence: There's sometimes a belief that if one survives a minor earthquake unscathed, they'll be fine in a larger event. This can lead to a false sense of security and a lack of preparedness.

However, it's crucial to understand that preparing before an earthquake strikes significantly increases one's chances of staying safe and minimizing damage. Being proactive and taking steps to prepare in advance can make a significant difference in how individuals and communities cope with the impacts of earthquakes.

USGS Intensity Map for the 4.6 Malibu Earthquake showing the far reaching effects of a relatively minor earthquake