A small earthquake near Santa Clarita Saturday served as a reminder that a larger quake could happen at any time, and residents and businesses should always be prepared.

While the Nov. 25 earthquake was only 1.9 magnitude on the Richter scale, seismologists traced it to a part of the San Andreas Fault Line less than four miles from the city.

An earthquake of that magnitude does no damage, only causing trees to sway and doors to swing. People unaware of an earthquake won’t even know the cause, and will likely attribute it to wind.

However, even 23 years after the devastating Northridge earthquake in 1994, officials say it always pays to be prepared.

Here are some earthquake safety tips

• If you experience shaking, drop under a piece of furniture.
• Protect your head and neck with one arm or hand, and hold on to something solid with the other.
• Never run out of buildings during an earthquake, as most people are injured by falling debris as they try to exit buildings during the shaking.
• If you experience shaking and are in a wheelchair or walker, lock your wheels; cover your head and neck area with a pillow or some type of object that will deflect the debris from falling on to you.

Many Santa Clarita public buildings tested their readiness last month during the “Great California Shakeout,” when Nearly 10 million Californians participated in the statewide drill.

“California is prone to earthquakes given that we have earthquake hazards throughout our state, from the southern San Andreas Fault to the northern Cascadia Subduction Zone,” said Mayor Cameron Smyth. “The Shakeout drill is a perfect opportunity to prepare an emergency recovery plan with family members, coworkers and schoolmates.”

Anybody living in Santa Clarita is also encouraged to have an emergency kit with basic items that could be needed after an earthquake or similar situation.

The kit should include:

1. a three-day supply of food for the whole family,
2. At least three gallons of water
3. A set of clean clothes and closed-toed shoes
4. A three-day supply of any medications, and an extra pair of eyeglasses or contacts
5. An extra set of house and car keys,
6. Cash and copies of important documents
7. A first aid kit
8. Solar, battery, or manual operated flashlights and radios
9. Extra batteries
10. Pet food and water.

For more information and to register online for 2017 Great California ShakeOut, click here.

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