Advances in seismic imaging have improved scientists’ ability to observe land shifts, but scientists are skeptical it’ll help predict the next “big one.”

“It’s actually confirming what had long been suspected and inferred in california,” said Robert Graves, research geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey, referring to reports of recent advances that allow scientists to observe vertical seismic shifts. “We have the San Andreas Fault, which is the major fault, but we have many other active faults, as well.”

Well below the surface of the earth, pressure pushes rocks up to the surface in a motion Graves likened to a conveyor belt. When the accumulated pressure reaches a stress point, a region will experience an earthquake.

The trick in detection, Graves said, is that there are a myriad of factors affecting that stress points that cause vertical and horizontal deformations (movements we associate with earthquakes), which are constantly affected by changes such as developments, especially drilling, but also minor earthquakes that constantly occurred, often undetected.

So while this new technology allows scientists to study the natural shift, excluding any sort of man-made impacts such as drilling, it only offers a piece of a very complex puzzle, Graves said.

“Not to downplay it too much, because every additional bit of science observation does build up the understanding of the earthquake process,” he said, however, “they’re an incredibly unknown phenomenon.”

As far as preparing for the next disaster, whether it’s an earthquake or a fire, there are similar things that everyone should keep in mind, according to Donna Nuzzi, emergency services supervisor for the city of Santa Clarita.

The basic message for an earthquake is the same for every hazard,” Nuzzi said, referring to fires and floods. “The first part is to have an individual plan for you and for your family — say you’re separated, and your children are at school — do you know what the process is (to reconnect)? How are you going to communicate?”

Outside of making sure heavy objects are earthquake-safe, i.e. secured from falling and causing an injury, the city provides a backpack for employees who are asked to fill with basic provisions in the event that they are needed to stay on the job.

Water, food and batteries for a light source for five to seven days should be kept around the house, Nuzzi added.

“Sources of light to sustain camp out living,” Nuzzi suggested, noting it might not be the “Four Seasons,” but it could help in survival in a real emergency.  

Nuzzi also mentioned a few questions that can be costly for homeowners to overlook.

“Do you have earthquake insurance? You should at least review your policy every year for your fire coverage. Most people don’t have flood insurance. Make sure you have the right amount of coverage. Rebuilding can be very, very expensive.”