In late September 2024, Long Beach hosted its annual Quake Heroes Earthquake Expo, a community-focused event designed to educate and prepare residents for the seismic risks Southern California faces. Held on Saturday, September 28 at the Recreation Park Community Center, the expo saw a strong turnout of local families, emergency professionals, and city officials eager to engage in earthquake preparedness activities.

The event was organized by the city’s Department of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications, in partnership with Third District Councilmember Kristina Duggan’s office. It aimed to provide critical information about earthquake readiness as part of a larger initiative to support California’s annual Great ShakeOut drill, which took place on October 17. The expo was a highlight of National Preparedness Month, emphasizing the importance of earthquake awareness and community resilience.

Preparing for the Big One

Southern California, including Long Beach, sits near several major fault lines, making earthquake readiness a critical concern for residents. The Quake Heroes Earthquake Expo was a timely and effective way to reinforce the message that preparedness can save lives. Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson underscored this point, stating in a press release, “Preparedness is our strongest ally during natural disasters and emergencies. This expo provided our community with an opportunity to come together, learn, and take proactive steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones.”

The event also served as a reminder that earthquake preparedness isn’t just about having a plan—it’s about understanding the potential risks and taking action to mitigate them. This year’s expo featured a wide array of activities designed to inform and empower residents.

Event Highlights

The expo offered interactive and practical experiences that engaged participants of all ages. Among the key attractions were:

  1. Earthquake Simulator: Attendees had the opportunity to experience the shaking of a simulated earthquake in a controlled environment. This hands-on demonstration helped people understand the force of an earthquake and the importance of being ready for sudden seismic events. Participants could feel what a 7.0 magnitude earthquake might be like without the actual danger, thanks to the simulator provided by local emergency services.
  2. Informational Booths: Various local, regional, and state agencies set up booths to offer resources on earthquake safety, emergency response plans, and disaster preparedness kits. These booths provided valuable advice on what steps to take before, during, and after an earthquake, such as securing furniture, preparing go-bags, and creating family communication plans.
  3. Screening of “Quake Heroes”: Attendees were treated to screenings of the documentary Quake Heroes, which explores real-life stories of individuals and communities responding to earthquakes. These screenings were followed by panel discussions, where experts discussed the lessons learned from past quakes and the importance of community resilience.
  4. Children’s Activities: The expo also featured earthquake safety workshops specifically designed for children, teaching them life-saving actions like “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” in an engaging and age-appropriate way. The goal was to ensure that even the youngest members of the community understood what to do during an earthquake.

Building a More Resilient Long Beach

Third District Councilmember Kristina Duggan highlighted the importance of the event for the city’s preparedness efforts. “We’re committed to making sure our community is well-prepared during a disaster,” Duggan said. “This expo is a practical and fun way for families in Long Beach to learn what they need to protect themselves and their loved ones during earthquakes.”

As Long Beach continues to grow and develop, the city remains vulnerable to seismic activity, particularly given its proximity to the Newport-Inglewood Fault. Events like the Quake Heroes Earthquake Expo help ensure that residents are prepared to face such risks.

Looking Ahead to the Great ShakeOut

The expo also helped prepare the community for the Great California ShakeOut, which took place on October 17, 2024, across the state. During the drill, millions of Californians participated in life-saving exercises like “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” to simulate what they should do during an actual earthquake. The ShakeOut has become an essential part of earthquake preparedness efforts across the state, reminding residents to stay vigilant and ready for when—not if—a major earthquake strikes.

Conclusion

The success of the Quake Heroes Earthquake Expo in September 2024 is a testament to Long Beach’s commitment to fostering a culture of preparedness. By providing resources, education, and interactive experiences, the city has taken a proactive approach to reducing the risks posed by earthquakes. As we reflect on the event in November 2024, it’s clear that community engagement and awareness are critical components in building a safer, more resilient Long Beach.

Source: “Long Beach to hold an earthquake readiness expo on Saturday.”

About Optimum Seismic, Inc.

The Optimum Seismic team has been making California cities safer since 1984 by providing full-service earthquake engineering, steel fabrication and construction services for multifamily residential, commercial and industrial buildings. With more than 4,000 earthquake retrofit and renovation projects completed, Optimum Seismic’s work includes soft-story multifamily apartments, tilt-up, non-ductile concrete, steel moment frame and unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings. To arrange a complimentary assessment of your building’s earthquake resilience, contact Optimum Seismic at (833) 978-7664 or visit optimumseismic.com.