Quake in Japan a reminder for Southern Californians to be prepared

SOS Survival Products emergency survival kit. (Hans Gutknecht/L.A. Daily News )

It's not a question of "if" but "when" a mega-quake hits the Los Angeles region, experts said Friday, as they reminded local residents to be prepared.

Access to food, water and medical supplies will likely be limited after a major earthquake, so residents need to have supplies on hand to sustain them until help arrives.

"We're going to have big earthquakes in Southern California. It's just going to happen," said Tom Brocher, director of the U.S. Geological Survey's Earthquake Science Center in Menlo Park.

According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, that means at least 5 gallons of water per person (stored in a sealed container), and a week's worth of nonperishable food. A fire extinguisher, sturdy shoes and flashlights with batteries are also essential.

A first-aid kit should contain an antiseptic, bandages. antibiotic ointment, and over-the-counter pain and allergy medication, but also prescription medicine and your doctors' contact information.

You can assemble a disaster preparedness kit yourself, or purchase one from retail outlets like SOS Survival Products in Van Nuys. The company sells kids for individuals, families and businesses, and also offers free preparedness classes.

Owner Jeff Edelstein said many Southern California residents are in denial about the need for taking precautions when it comes to natural disasters.

"They definitely take earthquake preparedness very seriously," he said, "but

there there is a very large part of the population that says, `It's not gong to happen to me because it's already happened so why should I get prepared?"'

When you feel an earthquake, experts say, duck under a desk or sturdy table and stay away from windows, bookcases and cabinets, large mirrors and other heavy objects that could fall.

"In modern homes the doorways are no stronger that other parts of the house," Scott said. "You are safer practicing duck, cover and hold."

The Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management has posted a 100-page survival guide at lacounty.gov, with tips and lists on preparing for and reacting to a disaster.

The county has also created a registry at snap.lacounty.gov for residents with a disability, chronic medical condition or impairment. First-responders will have access to the information and can use it when they create their own disaster plans.

If you are injured during a quake, do a self-assessment before heading to a hospital for treatment.

Dr. Stephen Jones, the Emergency Services director at Northridge Hospital Medical Center, said many people who suffered minor cuts and bruises after the Northridge Earthquake sought treatment at the hospital and had to endure long waits before being seen by a doctor.

"Stop any significant bleeding - and most people have that down pretty well - inspect the wound to make sure there is no foreign body in it, apply ointment and gauze or protective covering to keep it from getting dirty," he said.

Jordana Brewster Adriana Lima Tamala Jones Laura Prepon Joanne Montanez