At 10:15 a.m. on Oct. 15, millions of Californians are expected to drop, cover and hold on during the Great California ShakeOut, the largest earthquake drill in the state.
All K-12 schools and districts in Orange County are encouraged to participate in the exercise, responding just as they would during an actual seismic event.
Major earthquakes may happen anywhere you live, work or travel, and experts say you’re likely to react quickly if you’ve practiced the right steps on a regular basis. The Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill is an opportunity to do just that. Individuals, families, businesses, schools, colleges, government agencies and organizations are all encouraged to learn how to stay safe, and to be prepared at work, school and home.
Federal, State, and local emergency management agree that drop, cover and hold on is the appropriate action to minimize injuries during an earthquake. If there is no table or desk near you, drop to the ground and then, if possible, move to an inside corner of the room. Always remember to cover your head and neck with your hands and arms, and don’t move to another location or outside until the shaking has stopped. Methods including standing in a doorway, running outside and even the “triangle of life” are considered dangerous and are not recommended.
The Great California Shakeout website has information on how to stay safe when you cannot find shelter beneath furniture, such as when you’re driving, in a theater or at the beach. There is also a ShakeOut Drill Manual for K-12 schools available.
Learn about how to protect yourself and your loved ones, and remember: To respond quickly you must practice often.