Sunday's earthquake did little more than rattle nerves in San Diego County. The region had minor reports of damage, however emergency officials are warning residents not to let their guard down.
Earthquake Preparedness Kit
The 7.2-magnitude quake was centered just south of the U.S. border near Mexicali. It was one of the strongest earthquakes to rattle the region in decades, shaking at least 20 million people in Mexico, Southern California and other nearby states.
The quake's impact in San Diego was minor; fire departments and police officers received only a few reports of damage. Building inspectors found small cracks in a handful of structures, and the power plant and reservoirs escaped damage.
Ron Lane, director of the San Diego Office of Emergency Services, says that although San Diegans were lucky this time around the next earthquake could be worse.
"It would be unwise for citizens to think that this was the big one and we don't have to worry about earthquakes again for 150 years," warned Lane. "Rather we would hope that the citizens take this as an opportunity, a wake-up call, an opportunity to check their own plans and make sure they're prepared."
Lane says emergency officials will continue to inspect the county for damage. In the meantime, he says residents should have an earthquake preparedness kit .
The Red Cross recommends at least 72 hours' worth of emergency supplies, and some responders recommend a week or even two weeks since response may be delayed. Supplies include non-perishable foods, water, medications and first-aid, family contact information, cash, and important documents, such as insurance policies and identification.
