CSU Bakersfield professor advises Kern County residents to prepare for earthquakes

A recent scientific study identified unusually high stress levels on the southern segments of the San Andreas and San Jacinto faults, conditions that could increase the probability of a large, multi-fault earthquake. While those faults lie south of Kern County, California State University, Bakersfield associate professor Matthew Herman said the underlying tectonic forces affect the entire state.

Herman noted that stress accumulates along faults as the Pacific and North American plates shift, citing the 2019 Ridgecrest quake as an example of a major event on a less-known fault. He said, "We are right in the middle of where these earthquakes happen. We’re no different in many ways than parts of Los Angeles, parts of San Francisco, that are very close to dangerous faults."

The study found the southern San Andreas and San Jacinto faults have not experienced a major rupture for more than 160 years, raising concerns about a potential large earthquake involving multiple faults. Herman added that thousands of smaller faults also possess earthquake potential and that a moderate quake directly beneath a home can cause significant damage.

Regarding safety measures, Herman warned that seeking shelter in a doorway during shaking can be hazardous, explaining that door frames are not especially strong and swinging doors may cause injury. He recommended the standard "drop, cover and hold on" approach: get low, protect the head, and hold on to sturdy furniture until shaking stops.

He said Kern County has improved its preparedness through stricter building codes and newer construction, but emphasized that residents should have a personal emergency plan and know how to respond before the next quake occurs.