Earthquake safety experts strongly recommend that people who live in seismically active areas learn what to do before, during and after an earthquake. Although San Diego has not been the epicenter of a strong earthquake in recent history, it is still important to be prepared for one and to make sure everyone in your family knows what to do if the earth starts shaking.
The annual Great ShakeOut worldwide earthquake drill will take place at 10:15 a.m. on 10/15 (Oct. 15). You can take part in the preparedness event wherever you are: at home, work, school or in the community. While the earthquake drill can be planned for any day and time of the year, ShakeOut encourages holding one mass drill.
Residents, businesses, schools and other organizations can participate simply by going to the ShakeOut.orgwebsite and registering. So far, 9.7 million people have registered in California and more than 900,000 have registered in San Diego County. Globally, 6.5 million have registered for ShakeOut.
During an earthquake, you need to protect your head from items that might fall in the shaking. Drop, Cover and Hold on until the shaking stops and then be prepared for aftershocks. If you are near a sturdy table or desk, drop to the ground and crawl underneath, then put one hand up to protect your head and use the other to hold onto the furniture in order to keep yourself put in the shaking. If you are not near a table or desk, drop to the ground and move away from any hanging fixtures, windows, glass or furniture that could topple over, and sit up against an interior wall, while covering your head. For more tips on what to do if outside or in a moving car, please read this flier. (read more)
