ShakeOut, Don’t FreakOut!

Heads up that it’s almost time to cover your heads, while taking shelter under your desks or nearby tables.

Today at 10:17 a.m. more than 826,000 San Diego County residents and 9.5 million Californians will be taking part in the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill. Earthquake experts recommend the Drop, Cover and Hold on technique to keep safe. That means, when the ground starts shaking, people drop to the floor, scoot under a desk or sturdy table, use one arm to cover their heads even more and the other arm to hold onto the furniture so that it doesn’t shake away and leave your head uncovered.

If no table or desk is nearby, move quickly to an interior wall away from windows, glass panels or mirrors, heavy furniture and overhead fixtures, slide down and cover your head.

If outside, find a clear area away from overheads utility lines, buildings, trees and bridges and sit down and cover your head.

It only takes a few minutes and it’s good to practice what to do in an earthquake, so the response becomes automatic and overrides fearful instincts. Learn more about preparedness at www.ReadySanDiego.org and www.ShakeOut.org.