Southern California Engages in Earthquake Preparedness Drill: The…

Southern California will observe the Great California ShakeOut on Thursday at 10:17 a.m., with residents and workers practicing “drop, cover, and hold on” as part of earthquake preparedness efforts. Over 10.5 million Californians, including municipal employees and educational institutions, will participate to enhance safety awareness and readiness for future seismic events.

Residents and professionals across Southern California will engage in a practice drill aimed at earthquake preparedness on Thursday, as part of the ongoing Great California ShakeOut initiative, now in its sixteenth year. At precisely 10:17 a.m., individuals in government buildings, businesses, and educational institutions will participate in the crucial exercise of “drop, cover, and hold on,” an essential response procedure during seismic events. The ShakeOut initiative, which has been in operation since 2008, emphasizes that the actions taken now to prepare for potential earthquakes will significantly impact survival and recovery efforts. According to ShakeOut.org, over 10.5 million Californians are expected to partake in this year’s drill, with notable participation from 3.4 million residents in Los Angeles County and 954,000 in Orange County. Municipalities throughout the region—including El Segundo, Arcadia, Calabasas, and Lakewood—are set to engage in the drill, alongside numerous school districts and colleges, including California State University campuses and the University of California, Los Angeles. The Metrolink commuter rail service will also lower its speeds during the drill to simulate an earthquake scenario. In addition, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department plans to assess its emergency mass notification system, AlertOC, by dispatching a test emergency message to mobile devices and home phones at the time of the drill. The intention of this exercise is to highlight the importance of preparedness for a significant quake, estimated at 7.8 magnitude or higher, which could result in fatalities, injuries, and extensive financial loss. Local and state officials have advised that individuals should be ready to be self-sufficient for a minimum of 72 hours following a major earthquake, suggesting the assembly of emergency supplies, including first-aid kits, water, and food. Furthermore, homeowners and renters ought to familiarize themselves with the procedure to shut off gas supplies to prevent potential leaks.

Earthquake preparedness is a critical component of disaster management, particularly in seismically active regions such as California. The Great California ShakeOut is an annual event that allows individuals and organizations to practice responding to a major earthquake, reinforcing the understanding that preparedness and education can save lives. As the state faces the risk of significant seismic events, public participation in drills is essential for building resilience and ensuring safety across communities. The ShakeOut not only promotes practical safety measures like “drop, cover, and hold on” but also encourages broader awareness of emergency preparedness, including the need for emergency supplies and self-sufficiency following a disaster.

In summary, the Great California ShakeOut serves as a vital reminder of the importance of earthquake preparedness across Southern California. With millions expected to participate in the upcoming drill, the initiative plays a crucial role in educating the public about essential safety measures and emergency preparedness. The event underscores the necessity of readiness for future seismic events and highlights community engagement in disaster risk reduction.

Original Source: abc7.com