Southern California Commemorates Earthquake Preparedness with Annual ShakeOut Drill

On Thursday at 10:17 a.m., Southern Californians will engage in the Great California ShakeOut, an earthquake preparedness drill. With over 10.5 million participants expected, the drill focuses on vital safety measures such as “drop, cover, and hold on.” This year marks the 16th iteration of the annual event, intended to increase awareness and preparedness for significant seismic events.

In Southern California on Thursday at 10:17 a.m., individuals in government agencies, educational institutions, and businesses will pause their activities to participate in the annual earthquake preparedness drill known as the Great California ShakeOut. This drill, now in its 16th year, is a crucial opportunity for residents to rehearse the essential earthquake safety procedures of “drop, cover, and hold on.” According to a statement from ShakeOut.org, the actions taken to prepare in advance of a significant seismic event are vital for ensuring survival and recovery following such an occurrence. As of Wednesday afternoon, over 10.5 million Californians are expected to take part, including approximately 3.4 million in Los Angeles County and 954,000 in Orange County. This initiative began in 2008 and has grown steadily, with last year seeing participation from about 10.2 million individuals statewide. Local municipalities including El Segundo, Arcadia, Calabasas, Lakewood, Lancaster, Hawthorne, along with various departments from Los Angeles and Orange County, will also engage in this event. Virtually all elementary and high school districts, as well as California State University and Los Angeles Community College District campuses, are anticipated to partake in the drill. The Metrolink commuter rail system will conduct a coordinated response during the drill, slowing all trains at the designated time to simulate an earthquake. Additionally, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department plans to utilize the drill as an occasion to test its mass notification system, AlertOC, by dispatching a simulated emergency message to mobile devices and home phones. The drill aims to highlight the necessity of preparedness against a severe earthquake, potentially measuring 7.8 or greater along the southern segment of the San Andreas Fault, which experts warn could lead to catastrophic consequences, estimating around 2,000 fatalities, tens of thousands of injuries, and over $200 billion in damages. Furthermore, residents are encouraged to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours after a major disaster, needing supplies such as a first-aid kit, medications, food, and ample water. Homeowners and renters are also advised to familiarize themselves with procedures for shutting off gas lines to prevent leaks during such emergencies.

The Great California ShakeOut represents an essential initiative aimed at educating the public about earthquake preparedness, an increasingly pertinent concern for Californians due to the region’s seismic activity. The exercise emphasizes practical safety measures and the importance of readiness for potential earthquakes that could cause significant destruction. The implementation of this drill serves to cultivate a culture of preparedness among communities, with a focus on both individual and collective actions to mitigate disaster impacts.

The Great California ShakeOut serves as a critical reminder of the importance of earthquake preparedness in a seismically active region. As millions of Californians engage in drills that stress the need for effective safety strategies, the event underscores a proactive approach to disaster readiness. By equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to respond to earthquakes, the initiative aims to enhance resilience and reduce the potential for loss of life and property in the event of a natural disaster.

Original Source: abc7.com