Anniversary Earthquake

Thirteen years ago, on January 17, 1994, the Northridge earthquake shook the lives and properties of Southern Californians, registering 6.7 on the Richter scale and leaving major damage in its wake. Fifty-seven people died, more than 9,000 sustained injuries and damages ran up a bill of over twenty billion dollars. Long before this, in 1857, the catastrophic Ft. Tejon earthquake stunned the area, registering a whopping 7.9 on the Richter scale. Unfortunately, as devastating as these earthquakes were, the harsh reality is that there is potential for much worse.

At an earthquake preparedness news conference on January 17, 2007, Councilman Greig Smith of District 12 warned citizens that "The Big One" is overdue and coming. Being residents of "earthquake country," it is the responsibility of all our residents to be prepared.

Joining Councilman Smith were representatives from various city departments, including Deputy Chief Michel Moore, of the Valley Bureau. Deputy Chief Moore cautioned residents to be prepared to go anywhere from 3 days to a week without city services in the event of a worst-case scenario. He stressed the importance of having a plan so we can take care of ourselves and our families, neighbors and communities during such a disaster. He also reminded residents that, while the Los Angeles Police Department is better prepared than ever, and will be there for all residents, response times may be longer than they would be under normal circumstances. We ask that our residents do their part and be prepared so, when the time comes, help can get to those who need it most.