Pasadena Fire Chief Urges Earthquake Preparedness

Residents encouraged to take steps during April Awareness Month

Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:07am

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A vast, majestic landscape painting in muted earth tones, with a dramatic fault line cutting through the mountainous terrain, conveying the overwhelming scale of the natural forces at work.A dramatic landscape painting captures the sublime, overwhelming power of the natural forces that shape California's earthquake-prone terrain.Pasadena Today

Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustin is calling on residents to prepare for earthquakes during April's Earthquake Preparedness Month. He is urging people to take concrete steps like securing furniture, establishing communication plans, and maintaining emergency kits to reduce risk and protect themselves, their families, and their community.

Why it matters

California is prone to earthquakes, and the state's Earthquake Warning System can provide crucial seconds of advance notice before the strongest shaking arrives. By taking proactive steps, Pasadena residents can better safeguard themselves and their neighborhoods in the event of a major seismic event.

The details

Augustin outlined several key preparedness measures, including securing heavy furniture and appliances, establishing family communication plans, and maintaining emergency kits with supplies for at least 72 hours. He also stressed the importance of regularly practicing the 'Drop, Cover, and Hold On' protocol so the response becomes instinctive. All Pasadena fire stations are designated as Disaster Information Sites where residents can receive critical emergency information if regular communication channels are disrupted.

  • April is Earthquake Preparedness Month in California.

The players

Chad Augustin

Pasadena Fire Chief who is urging residents to prepare for earthquakes.

Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES)

The state agency that operates California's Earthquake Warning System.

U.S. Geological Survey

The federal agency that collaborates with Cal OES on the Earthquake Warning System.

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What they’re saying

“Earthquakes can happen at any time and without warning. 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.”

— Chad Augustin, Pasadena Fire Chief

What’s next

Residents can visit earthquake.ca.gov for more information on earthquake preparedness.

The takeaway

Earthquake preparedness is crucial for Pasadena residents, as the city is located in a seismically active region. By taking proactive steps like securing their homes, establishing communication plans, and practicing emergency response, Pasadenans can better protect themselves and their community in the event of a major earthquake.