Community Encouraged to Participate in the
'Great California ShakeOut' Earthquake Drill on Thursday, Oct. 18
'Great California ShakeOut' Earthquake Drill on Thursday, Oct. 18
The City of Long Beach is encouraging all residents, businesses, schools and visitors to join our neighbors around the state and participate in the annual "Great California ShakeOut" earthquake drill on Thursday, Oct. 18, at 10:18 am. Last year more than the 8.6 million Californians participated in this drill.
Earthquakes strike suddenly and without warning. They can occur at any time of the year, day or night. Long Beach and Los Angeles County are at moderate to very high risk of earthquakes. Though earthquakes cannot be predicted, there are steps you can take to prepare your home and family for an earthquake.
At 10:18 am on Thursday, October 18, 2012, millions of people in government offices, homes, businesses, schools, and public places throughout California will “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” during a simulated drill of what we would do during a real, significant earthquake. The Long Beach Civic Center is participating in the drill.
Practicing earthquake plans and creating earthquake kits are critical steps in preparing for the difficult conditions that will occur with a major earthquake. Basic services such as electricity, water, gas or sewage treatment may be cut off for an extended period of time. Most experts will tell you to prepare to be self-sustaining for a minimum of five to seven days after a major earthquake. Store enough food and water for each per person in your home for five to seven days. Do not forget to include items for your family members with special needs (seniors, infants, etc). Remember to include food and water for your pets as well.
The Great California ShakeOut is organized by the Earthquake Country Alliance. Simulating what would happen in a major earthquake is an invaluable opportunity for us to better understand how disaster of this magnitude could affect our homes and loved ones. Please participate in the Great ShakeOut.
For more information on earthquake preparedness, visit www.longbeach.gov/fire/emergency_prep/earthquake.asp, http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learning/preparedness.php or www.oes.ca.gov.
Let all of California know you participated in the ShakeOut by registering on the Great California ShakeOut website, www.shakeout.org.
