Today Is the Anniversary of the Northridge Quake, Are You Ready for the Next Disaster?

Councilman Tom LaBonge will mark Thursday's anniversary of the devastating 1994 Northridge earthquake by urging Angelenos to prepare for a natural disaster.

And, Councilman Mitch Englander, who chairs the city's Public Safety Committee, has been publishing his "Year of Preparedness" advice in his weekly newsletter. Click here for all his recommendations.

"It's been 19 years since Southern California's last major quake, but our next one could be tomorrow," LaBonge said. "Let's do our part to be ready for when it comes."

The magnitude-6.7 quake occurred at 4:31 a.m. on Jan. 17, 1994. The quake was felt by much of Los Angeles for up to 20 seconds. It toppled freeways, injured thousands and caused the deaths of 57 people.

All told, the quake caused about $20 billion in damage.

LaBonge urged Angelenos to consult the Fire Department's emergency preparedness guide and to take basic steps like securing large objects and being certain to know how to turn off utilities at a moment's notice.