We must all be prepared for the inevitable destructive Earthquake.

California is no stranger to large earthquakes.

In 1906, the Great San Francisco Earthquake occurred, one of the most significant earthquakes of all time.

In more recent times, California has experienced significant quakes with both the Loma Prieta and Northridge Earthquakes.

Scientists do not yet have the information needed to predict earthquakes and no region within the state is immune

from the potential for major earthquake damage.

When you feel the first ground motions you must immediately: Drop to the floor.....take cover under a desk or table....

if you are not near a desk or table, drop to the floor against an interior wall. Resist the urge to panic.

Stay put and do not move from under the shelter.

Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location

inside the building or try to leave it. So, do not run outside where you could be vulnerable to the danger of falling debris.

Stay away from windows, bookcases, cabinets or other objects that could topple and fall.

Hold on until the shaking stops. The reason to hold onto the desk or table is if it moves, you move with it.

At a desk or table located near a window, get underneath it and pull your chair in as close as you can

to shield yourself from possible breaking glass.

Again, resist the urge to panic and flee. Remain calm even though you may witness the loss of electricity,

the sound of various alarms and activation of the fire sprinkler system.

Do not be surprised by the noise from broken glass, creaking walls or falling objects.

The main thing to remember is to remain calm and resist fleeing. If you are inside stay inside.

If you are outside stay there, resist the urge of running towards a building, instead find a safe location and drop, cover and hold.

Try and move to an open area away from overhead power lines, building facades, architectural embellishments or windows.

If you are confined to a wheelchair, lock your wheels, lean forward and cover your neck with your hands and arms.

If you are in a stairwell, drop and cover next to an interior wall.

Remain there until the tremor stops and follow directions that are announced over the public address system.

In the restroom, remain there and cover your head with your arms to protect yourself from falling objects.

If you are driving, gradually decrease speed, pull over to the side of the road and stay in the vehicle until the shaking stops.

Do not stop under overpasses or bridges.

Turn on the radio and listen for advisories and keep in mind aftershocks follow the initial quake.

Do not begin to drive until the local authorities have deemed it is safe to do so.

radio voice: .."the city has just been hit by an earthquake!"