The Great California ShakeOut

At 10:15 AM on October 15, people around the world will take part in the Great ShakeOut, an annual earthquake preparedness drill.

You do not need to be at school, work, or part of an organized event to participate. You can do a simple drill at home, in your office, or wherever you happen to be.

When the drill begins, practice the three basic earthquake safety steps:

• Drop to your hands and knees so you are less likely to be knocked down.
• Cover your head and neck, and get under a sturdy table or desk if one is nearby.
• Hold On until the shaking stops.

Then take a few extra minutes to think through what you would do in a real earthquake. Check whether heavy furniture is secured, make sure you know how to turn off utilities if necessary, review your family communication plan, and see whether your emergency supplies need to be restocked.

 

You can also use the day to identify safe places in each room, check that everyone in your household knows what to do, and practice what you would do if an earthquake happened while driving, sleeping, or away from home.

The goal is simple: spend a few minutes practicing now so you are more prepared if the real thing happens.

The ground can surprise us, so let’s be ready together. Register to be counted in the Great California ShakeOut and explore all the resources here: The Great ShakeOut California