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The Great California ShakeOut!

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Date: Oct 19 , 2023
Time: 10:40 am

It’s always a good time to prepare for an earthquake, because what we do to prepare now will determine how well we can survive and recover from the next big earthquake. Join the us and millions of people across California on Thursday, October 19th at 10:19 AM to participate in the largest earthquake drill ever, the CA Great ShakeOut.  

The goal of the Great ShakeOut is to save lives and prevent disasters from becoming catastrophes. Earthquakes can happen anywhere you work, live, or travel, which is why everyone, everywhere should know how to protect themselves should an earthquake occur. The Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill is our chance to practice together and to inspire others to become prepared.

What are Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills?

Everyone, everywhere, should know how to protect themselves during earthquakes, whether they live, work, or travel to an area where earthquakes are common.

Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills are annual opportunities to learn and practice earthquake safety with millions of people worldwide!

Each year, ShakeOut participants in schools, businesses, non-profits, government agencies, neighborhoods, organizations, and households all across the world practice “Drop, Cover and Hold On” and other aspects of their emergency plans.

The goal of ShakeOut is to encourage people and organizations to be prepared to survive and to recover quickly when the next big earthquake happens.

ShakeOut began in Southern California in 2008. Since then ShakeOut has grown to include participation across the United States and several other countries. More than 30 million people worldwide participated in 2022.

Participation is free and may take only a few minutes, depending on drill plans. Learn more and register to participate at ShakeOut.org.

How do we prepare to survive and recover?

Everyone should know what steps to take before, during and after an earthquake. Visit EarthquakeCountry.org/sevensteps to learn about the Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety:

PREPARE (before an earthquake):

  • (Step 1) Secure your space by identifying hazards and securing moveable items.
  • (Step 2) Plan to be safe by creating your emergency plan and deciding how you will communicate. Where will you meet your family? How will you get to work? Do you know how to perform CPR, or to use a fire extinguisher?
  • (Step 3) Organize emergency supplies in convenient locations.
  • (Step 4) Minimize financial hardship by organizing important documents, strengthening your property, and considering insurance coverage.

SURVIVE (during and just after an earthquake):

  • (Step 5) Drop, Cover, and Hold On or other recommended actions such as Lock (wheels), Cover, and Hold On – if you feel shaking or get an alert.

If Possible

DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down by shaking and reduces your chance of being hit by falling or flying objects.

COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand.

  • If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath for shelter
  • If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall
  • Stay on your knees; bend over to protect vital organs

HOLD ON until the shaking stops.

  • Under shelter: hold on to it with one hand; be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts
  • No shelter: hold on to your head and neck with both arms and hands.

Or Adapt to Your Situation:

If you have difficulty getting onto the ground, or cannot get back up again without help, then follow these recommendations:

  • If you are in a recliner or bed: Cover your head and neck with your arms or a pillow until the shaking stops.
  • If you use a cane: Drop, Cover, and Hold On or sit on a chair, bed, etc. and cover your head and neck with both hands. Keep your cane near you so it can be used when the shaking stops.
  • If you use a walker or wheelchair: LOCK your wheels (if applicable). If using a walker carefully get as low as possible. Bend over and COVER your head/neck with your arms, a book, or a pillow. Then HOLD ON until the shaking stops.

These are guidelines for most situations. Visit EarthquakeCountry.org/step5 to learn how to protect yourself in other situations and locations, including safety tips for people with disabilities.

  • (Step 6) Improve safety after earthquakes by evacuating if necessary, helping the injured, and preventing further injuries or damage.

RECOVER (after an earthquake):

  • (Step 7) Reconnect and Restore daily life by reuniting with others, repairing damage, and rebuilding community.
    • To keep phone lines accessible for emergency use, communicate via text message rather than calling.
    • If you have an earthquake insurance policy and have suffered any property damage, contact your insurance agent or company for assistance.

Who organizes Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills?

Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills are organized by state, regional, and federal governments, and educational institutions, in your area, in coordination with the Southern California Earthquake Center, based at the University of Southern California, with support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, United States Geological Survey, and National Science Foundation. Each official ShakeOut Region may have additional or different organizers, partners, and sponsors.