I think you are getting a secret message
that even you, EAT, are unaware of.

One battens down the hatches in a ship to
keep the water out in a rough sea.

You are being told that Califonia is about to
slide into the sea.

The water is going to pour into the hatches
(your windows and doors) unless you batten
them down (close them).

Since much of California is going to be submerged
I don't see much hope in closing the windows and
doors, unless it is only figurative, and really
means, get the hell out of California!

Look for THE BIG ONE any minute now!