What do you do when an earthquake occurs? “As of September 12, 2024, there have been 13 4.0 magnitude or higher earthquakes recorded in California” (Volcano Discovery). September 12th marked a 4.6 magnitude Earthquake in Malibu, California. The earthquake occurred all of a sudden at “7:28 and was centered about 3.5 miles northwest of Malibu” (Fox LA). The earthquake was felt widely around Anaheim, Burbank, and even here in Yorba Linda, leaving some people feeling absolutely nothing or as if it was the worst earthquake they had ever experienced. There were areas of damage in Malibu, but thankfully, no one was injured. However, this instance is a concern for students at Yorba Linda High School since students must be prepared and ready to take action if an earthquake of much greater magnitude occurs.
Talia Chavez (9), a student from YLHS, reflects on her experience with the earthquake, remembering, “I was barely waking up when I felt the minor tremble, but I had no idea what to do, so I just sat on my bed.” This can be worrying since many students do not know what precautions to take when an earthquake occurs. Many applications and websites for alerts for earthquakes in your area can help you be prepared and ready.
One amazing app is the MyShake app. It can send a warning to your mobile device when a shake is about to occur. Along with a warning, it uses “ground-motion sensors” to determine the “size, location, and impact” (earthquake.ca.gov). This application is a great way to get adolescents to take into account the dangers of not knowing what to do during an earthquake. Since this app is available on mobile devices, teens will never miss alerts. Additionally, The Great California ShakeOut will take place on October 17, simulating an earthquake at schools to explain the procedures students must take to survive quakes.
These resources and more are great ways to stay informed and ready for earthquakes. The Malibu earthquake was a natural disaster that did not take any lives or leave anyone injured, but this and many others are signs of how people must be ready at all times. Every student at Yorba Linda High School can use these past earthquakes as a learning lesson on what to do next time an Earthquake occurs.
