Don't wait for the big one. This is what to do before, during and after ...

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Why do earthquakes happen? And how do we stay safe?

Here's a brief explainer on how earthquakes begin, the worst quakes in California history and how to stay safe if one hits your town.

Los Angeles was rattled by an earthquake Monday afternoon with a preliminary magnitude of 4.4.

While it’s not the big one Southern Californians are concerned about, the shaking is a reminder that it’s always good to be prepared for a quake of any magnitude.

What should I do during an earthquake?

Be prepared to immediately practice drop, cover and hold on the moment you feel shaking, said the Earthquake Country Alliance.

Here’s how it works and why you should do it:

1. Drop: Dropping onto your hands and knees protects you from being knocked down and reduces your chances of being hit by flying or falling objects.
2. Cover: Cover your head with one arm and hand. If a study table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it; otherwise, crawl next to an interior wall.
3. Hold on: Hold on to the shelter you’ve crawled under as it can shift with the earthquake. If you aren’t underneath anything, hold onto your head and neck with both arms and hands.

People who use canes and can’t practice drop, cover and hold on should sit on a bed or chair and cover their head and neck with both hands. People who use wheelchairs should lock their wheels, if possible, and protect their necks and heads with their arms, a book, or a pillow. The Earthquake Country Alliance has other guidance for older adults and people with disabilities during an earthquake that can be found online at earthquakecountry.org/accessibility.

If you are outside, stay outdoors and away from buildings, according to Ready.gov. You’ll also want to get away from trees or power lines as they can both topple in an earthquake, according to the California Earthquake Authority.

What if I’m driving during an earthquake?

Slow down and pull over as soon as it’s safe, according to the California Highway Patrol. Remain in the vehicle with your seat belt fastened, engine off, and parking brake set. Once the shaking stops, check your vehicle for damage and its occupants for injuries. Only begin driving when it is safe to do so. Once you can start moving again, do so slowly and cautiously, avoiding any areas of the road that appear damaged or obstructed, and continue to avoid bridges and ramps.

United States Geological Survey recommends that motorists should not stop at these areas:

• On or under a bridge or overpass
• Under trees
• Under light posts, power lines or signs

More: Why do earthquakes happen?

How can I prepare for an earthquake?

Follow the Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety from the Earthquake Country Alliance, which was developed with experts in earthquake science, preparedness and mitigation, according to the alliance. An in-depth explanation of every step can be found at earthquakecountry.org/sevensteps

• Step 1: Secure your space. Think about what objects in your home could be thrown around and that could hurt you. Maybe it’s a bookcase near your bed that could fall over and injure you or a TV in your living room that can do some damage to a loved one spending time there during an earthquake. Then, secure the items you identify as a concern or place them elsewhere in your help to prevent a future injury.
• Step 2: Plan to be safe. Create an emergency plan, including an evacuation and reunion plan, and have earthquake drills to practice your plan so that you and your loved ones know what to do in an earthquake.
• Step 3: Organize emergency supplies. Have your emergency supplies in accessible locations. Know that in the event of a large earthquake, electricity, water, transportation and emergency response agencies may be disrupted. This means you’ll want to have supplies to last your household for ideally two weeks, including water, food, flashlights and more.
• Step 4: Minimize financial hardship. This includes having all your most important documents ready to be grabbed if you have to evacuate your home, such as identification or how to file an insurance claim, and identifying how you could improve the structural integrity of your home.
• Step 5: Drop, Cover and Hold On. Steps five and six detail what to do during an earthquake.
• Step 6: Improve safety. When shaking stops, see if you have any injuries that need your attention or if you are trained to, provide first aid assistance to someone else. Identify any hazards around you such as damage to a building or an electric line. Remember that aftershocks can cause additional damage and threaten your safety, so get to a safe location.
• Step 7: Reconnect and restore. After a big earthquake, follow your disaster plan and use your supplies. You’ll want to monitor local radio and television to learn about emergency assistance that may be available to you, take pictures of any damage to your property and contact your insurance company in the days following an earthquake.

When was the last big earthquake in California?

The most recent significant earthquake in the state — either a magnitude of 6.5 or greater or that caused loss of life or more than $200,000 damage — was the 6.4-magnitude earthquake that occurred in the Pacific Ocean near Ferndale in 2022, according to the state department of conservation, which tracks “big” earthquakes in California.

That earthquake struck in the early morning hours multiple miles west of Ferndale on Dec. 20, 2022, USA TODAY reported. It indirectly caused two deaths and damaged homes and roads in Humboldt County.

When was the last earthquake in California?

The last significant earthquake in California occurred two years ago, but the state has seen plenty of tremors since, including a 5.3-magnitude earthquake centered 21 miles from Bakersfield nearly one week ago and a 4.9-magnitude earthquake centered 14 miles from Barstow at the end of July.

You can track earthquakes recorded within the last 30 days in America and internationally through USGS’ latest earthquakes map, though USGS cautions it should not be considered a complete list of earthquakes.

Those searching for information about recent earthquakes limited to California and Nevada can visit the Southern California Earthquake Data Center's website.

What have been the biggest earthquakes in recorded California history?

​​California's largest recorded earthquakes since 1800, ranked by magnitude, according to the California Department of Conservation.

• 7.9: Jan. 9, 1857 in Fort Tejon Two killed; created 220-mile surface scar
• 7.8: April 18, 1906 in San Francisco Possibly 3,000 killed; 225,000 displaced
• 7.4: March 26, 1872 in Owens Valley. 27 kille​d; three aftershocks of magnitude >6
• 7.4: Nov. 8, 1980 just west of Eureka Injured 6; $2 million in damage
• 7.3: July 21, 1952 in Kern County 12 killed; included three magnitude 6-plus aftershocks in five days
• 7.3: June 28, 1992 in Landers. One killed; 400 injured; $9.1 million in damage
• 7.2: Jan. 22, 1923 in Mendocino. Damaged homes in several towns
• 7.2: April 25, 1992 in Cape Mendocino. 356 injuries; $48.3 million in damage
• 7.1: Nov. 4, 1927 southwest of Lompoc. No major injuries, slight damage in two counties
• 7.1 : Oct. 16, 1999 in Ludlow. Minimal damage due to remote location​

Paris Barraza is a trending reporter covering California news at The Desert Sun. Reach her at pbarraza@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.