Fire Chief Urges Pasadenans to Prepare for Earthquakes During April Awareness Month

April is Earthquake Preparedness Month in California, and Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustin is calling on residents to take concrete steps now — before the next earthquake strikes.

“Earthquakes can happen at any time and without warning,” Augustin said in the City of Pasadena’s weekly newsletter. “By taking time this month to plan, prepare, and practice, we can all help reduce risk and better protect ourselves, our families, and our community.”

The reminder comes as California’s Earthquake Warning System — operated by the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the U.S. Geological Survey — continues to expand its reach.

The system, which uses a network of ground-motion sensors to detect earthquakes already in progress, can deliver seconds to tens of seconds of advance warning before the strongest shaking arrives.

That window, while brief, can be enough time to drop, take cover, and hold on — or to move away from windows and heavy objects.

Residents can receive those alerts in three ways: through the free MyShake app, available for iOS and Android; through Android’s built-in earthquake alert system, which requires no separate download; or through Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) sent directly to cell phones. The MyShake app is available in six languages, including Spanish, Chinese Traditional, Tagalog, Korean, and Vietnamese.

Alerts are issued for earthquakes of magnitude 4.5 or higher.

Beyond the warning system, Augustin outlined several preparedness steps that every Pasadena household should take.

Residents should secure heavy furniture and appliances to walls to prevent them from toppling during shaking. Families should establish a communication plan — knowing how to reach each other when cell networks are strained after a major event.

Every household should also maintain an emergency kit stocked with water, food, first aid supplies, and other essentials sufficient to last at least 72 hours, as emergency responders may not be able to reach every neighborhood immediately after a large earthquake.

Practicing the recommended response is equally important. The standard protocol — Drop, Cover, and Hold On — should be rehearsed regularly so that the action becomes instinctive.

“Regular practice helps build muscle memory so you can act quickly and confidently in a real event,” Augustin said.

The Pasadena Fire Department maintains disaster preparedness resources on its website, including an Emergency Survival Guide produced in cooperation with Los Angeles County, FEMA, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

All Pasadena fire stations are also designated as Disaster Information Sites — locations where residents can receive critical emergency information in person if phones, internet, and television are unavailable after a major event.

• Fire Station 31        135 S. Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105
• Fire Station 32        2424 E. Villa St., Pasadena, CA 91107
• Fire Station 33        515 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101
• Fire Station 34        1360 E. Del Mar Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91106
• Fire Station 36        1140 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103
• Fire Station 37        3430 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107
• Fire Station 38        1150 Linda Vista Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103
• Fire Station 39        50 S. Avenue 64, Pasadena, CA 91105

For more information on earthquake preparedness, residents can visit earthquake.ca.gov.