Los Angeles County residents and business owners are once again reminded that this is earthquake country, officials announced on Thursday.

The U.S. Geological Survey, Southern California Earthquake Center, California Geological Survey and California Earthquake Authority announced the chance of a magnitude 8.0 earthquake or greater striking California in the next 30 years has been raised to 7% from 4.7%, according to a news release. That is one of the findings in the Third Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast, UCFER3 report.

The UCFER3 study improves upon previous models by incorporating the latest data on the state’s complex system of active geological faults, as well as new methods for translating these data into earthquake likelihoods, according to a news release. These new likelihoods are due to the inclusion of possible multi-fault ruptures, where earthquakes are no longer confined to separate, individual faults, but can occasionally rupture multiple faults simultaneously.

Los Angeles County is an area that is prone to earthquakes and other natural hazards and threats, according to a news release. The Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) wants to take this time to remind all County residents, renters, and businesses to take the necessary steps to be prepared for future earthquakes and other natural hazards and threats.

The following are some disaster preparedness tips from county officials:

• Develop a disaster kit, remember to have ample supply of food, water, medications, flashlight with batteries, battery-operated or hand crank radio, and extra clothing.
• Create a disaster plan for your family and loved ones.
• If you experience earthquake, find a sturdy desk or table, and Drop, Cover, and Hold On. The more limitations you have, the more important it is to create safe spaces for yourself, especially if you can’t Drop, Cover, and Hold On under a sturdy desk or table.

Register your cellular telephone and landlines for emergency notifications at Alert LA, visit here.

To learn more about and how to prepare for earthquakes and other hazards and threats, OEM has the following emergency preparedness programs available to assist residents, renters, and businesses to develop their own disaster preparedness plans, and emergency kits:

•        County of Los Angeles Emergency Survival Guide
•         Specific Needs Awareness Planning or here.
•         Emergency Survival Program

Los Angeles County residents, renters, and business owners, including persons with disabilities and others with access and functional needs, may call 211 LA County for emergency preparedness information, and other referral services, according to a news release. The toll-free 2-1-1 number is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week.  211 LA County services can also be accessed by visiting here.