Preparedness, early warning system top agenda at quake symposium

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Preparing for the next big quake and learning lessons from the past were all on the agenda at a daylong symposium held by the Association of Bay Area Governments, also known as ABAG, at the Kaiser Center in Oakland.

The symposium marked the 25th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake and the resilience of the Bay Area.

In the middle of event, there was an earthquake drill and a demonstration of the new earthquake warning system.

Kate Long, with the governor's Office of Emergency Services, showed people how even a few seconds warning can give people enough time to protect themselves with simple steps: Drop, cover your head and hold on.

April Wick of Easy Does It Emergency Services is in a wheelchair, and showed how she can take responsibility for her own safety in a quake. It just looks a little different.

"I didn't do it like everybody else, but I did it just the same," she said. "It's important for people to know that just because you have a disability, you can still be a leader and be part of a disaster conversation."

ABC7 News anchor Cheryl Jennings moderated a panel with Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates, Oakland Mayor Jean Quan, and Napa Mayor Jill Techel. They're pushing for more community preparedness, quake insurance, and retrofitting buildings before it's too late.