Quakes ranging from 3.6 to 4.0 have been striking along the Hayward fault in the area of the Berkeley Hills. This is just 15 miles or so from our community! Many have felt these tremors; you can be certain that anything larger, with an epicenter of only 15 miles away is going to provide quite a jolt! You can anticipate damage for a temblor over the 5.0 range with an epicenter so close. Anything over 6.0 is going to most likely present problems. Injuries are possible.

The series of small quakes serves as a reminder to prepare. Beside a home kit, you should have supplies in your vehicle, in case you are not at home and become stranded due to bridges and overpasses shutting down for inspections.

No matter how small, always look for sturdy furniture or doorways along bearing walls to duck into. Most are injured by falling objects, when really no building damage occurs. Don't be a victim. Have a plan at home and at work. Know where you are going to duck and cover in a quake.

More information on disaster preparedness is located on this website.