ShakeOut for Earthquake Preparedness

Does everyone in your family know what to do during an earthquake to reduce the chance of injuries? When was the last time you rehearsed your family emergency plan? Have you participated in a work earthquake drill? Emergency preparedness experts say it is not only important to have an emergency plan but to practice it, so it becomes an instinctual response.

“The Great California ShakeOut earthquake drill is a great opportunity to hold a drill at home and work,” said Herman Reddick, County Office of Emergency Services interim director. “We encourage County employees to get earthquake ready.”

Statewide, participants will Drop, Cover and Hold On at 10:20 a.m. on 10/20. However, the point of the exercise is to promote earthquake preparedness, so San Diegans are encouraged to participate even if they hold the drill at an alternate time or another day.

The safest response is Drop, Cover and Hold On. What that means is dropping to the floor when you feel shaking, and going underneath a table or desk, covering your head with one arm and holding onto the furniture with the other arm to keep it from moving during the shaking.

The ultimate goal is to protect your head. When scientists studied earthquakes in the United States, they found that most people were injured or killed by items falling over onto them. This is why people are safest under a table or desk.

If there are no tables or desks, the next best advice is to find an interior wall away from any heavy furniture, windows or fixtures. Slide down with your back against the wall and use your arms to cover your head.

If you are indoors, it is best to stay indoors; otherwise you may be hurt by falling items as you try to run outside. You may also be hurt by falling debris outdoors or may encounter downed wires. 

If you are already outdoors, then the safest thing is to try to get to a clear area, away from buildings, trees, or utility wires. Then, just sit down and cover your head.  Essentially, the same advice applies to driving. Try to pull over to a clear area away from bridges or overpasses, and wait it out in your vehicle.

Earthquakes can’t be predicted. That’s why people are urged to be prepared to survive and recover after a major earthquake. San Diego County, like most of California, sits on a network of active earthquake faults. The Rose Canyon Fault, which runs under La Jolla and downtown San Diego, is capable of producing a magnitude 7.0 earthquake that would cause significant damage.

Besides knowing what to do during an earthquake, people are encouraged to learn how to prepare before an earthquake by completing a family disaster plan, having a home or work emergency kit, and securing items around their home or workplace so they won’t fall.

To register to ShakeOut (even if it’s not at the designated time and day), visit www.ShakeOut.org, and to learn more about preparedness, visit www.ReadySanDiego.org .