May 29, 2013

No Damage at UCSB After 4.8 Earthquake Near Isla Vista

George Foulsham

A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Isla Vista Wednesday morning. Though the quake was felt widely across the area, there are no reports of any damage on the UC Santa Barbara campus.

The 7:38 a.m. temblor struck about three miles west of Isla Vista, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Initial reports indicated that the quake had a magnitude of 4.9, but that was later adjusted to 4.6, and then up to a 4.8.

The campus is continuing normal operations.

Update: 9:45 a.m.

Disaster Preparation

The University encourages its community members to use this event as an opportunity to review individual emergency planning procedures. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends that each person have the necessary provisions for a minimum of 72 hours immediately following a disaster. Below are a few helpful reminders that are important tips to consider:

· Water:

One gallon per person a day

· Food:

Easy-to-prepare and non-perishable items

· Hand-cranked radio: After a large disaster, obtaining information can be challenging

· Develop and maintain a family plan:

https://www.fema.gov/plan

· Flashlight and spare batteries

· First aid kit

· Whistle(s) to signal for assistance

· Dust mask and duct tape

· Wet naps or moist napkins

· Cellular telephone with solar charger

· Prescription medications

Emergency responders will likely be very busy with life-saving operations and assisting those most in need. For additional information about disaster preparation, please visit the FEMA website at: https://www.fema.gov/

If you would like to get more involved and help your community following a disaster, you can be trained to become a Community Emergency Response Team member. For more details: https://www.ready.gov/community-emergency-response-team

For information on emergency preparedness in Santa Barbara County visit: http://www.awareandprepare.org/

About UC Santa Barbara

The University of California, Santa Barbara is a leading research institution that also provides a comprehensive liberal arts learning experience. Our academic community of faculty, students, and staff is characterized by a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration that is responsive to the needs of our multicultural and global society. All of this takes place within a living and learning environment like no other, as we draw inspiration from the beauty and resources of our extraordinary location at the edge of the Pacific Ocean.