The California ShakeOut 2011– Biggest Earthquake Drill in History
This Thursday Californians are set to participate in the largest earthquake drill in history. The California ShakeOut is set to occur on 10/20 and 10:20 am (easy to remember).
Over 8 million (almost 700,000 in San Diego County) have signed up on the website saying they would participate, which beats the 2010 record of 7.9 million. The California ShakeOut is designed to educate people about coping with a major earthquake and how to protect themselves in the event one occurs. [photo courtesy of Hey Paul on Flickr]
With California considered at greater risk for earthquakes than any other state, the California ShakeOut, now in its 4th year (starting originally as the Southern California ShakeOut but now statewide on the 3rd Thursday of October) involves the general public, radio and TV stations, police, fire and rescue teams.
Practicing “drop, cover and hold-on” is considered to be highly effective in preparing people for major earthquakes and learning what to do to help protect themselves when one occurs.
But the California ShakeOut is also about learning what not to do, like running to another room, running outdoors if you are not already there, or standing in a doorway.
You can register now to participate, and check out a wealth of earthquake related resources for businesses, schools, the disabled, and much more on the California ShakeOut website.
Here’s the Spanish version of the California ShakeOut.
Other states now also practice earthquake protection – Idaho, Utah, Oregon, Nevada. Will the East Coast states be next considering this year’s earthquake?
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