If I were living in southern California today (I grew up there in the 1960s/70s - the Sylmar quake experience stands out), I think these would be my preparedness priorities:

1) Shelter-in: the ability to live outside (tent, screenroom, camping gear, portable toilet, water storage, portable shower). Portable radio + batteries.

2) Backpack in car: in case you're not at home when the quake hits and roads are impassable. Also in the car 24/7: hiking shoes/socks, seasonally appropriate jacket, hat, umbrella, highly detailed area map, first aid kit, PSK (including Micropur tablets), water bottles, flashlight/headlamp/batteries, cash (hidden), leather gloves, prybar. Portable radio + batteries (extremely important).

3) Know thy neighbors: and see if anyone would help increase preparedness awareness on your own block. It's in everyone's interest to reduce the risks of fire (ex: know whose homes have gas and having the tools to shut it off), guard against looters and otherwise join together in the aftermath to help fill in the void left by emergency services perhaps being preoccupied elsewhere. Families should have added incentive to participate because children may be home alone when a quake hits.

4) Workplace preparedness: Is this a priority for your employer? Stash what you can at work, too.


I'd assume the worst about the government's preparedness.