Today is the anniversary of the devastating 1994 Northridge earthquake. Local officials are using this day to urge you to prepare for a natural disaster.

The magnitude-6.7 quake occurred at 4:31 a.m. 19 years ago today and was felt throughout much of the LA area for about 20 seconds. It toppled freeways, injured thousands and caused the deaths of 57 people. All told, the quake caused about $20 billion in damage.

Your local fire station has an emergency preparedness guide for you. It explains how to take basic steps like securing large objects and being certain to know how to turn off utilities at a moment’s notice.