Join the Great ShakeOut Drill Oct. 17
Get ready to drop, cover and hold on: The Great ShakeOut earthquake drill is today, Oct. 17, at 10:17 a.m.
The California Office of Emergency Services encourages all Californians to participate in the nationwide earthquake drill at 10:17 a.m. on Oct. 17. The ShakeOut is an annual opportunity for people at home or work to practice the drop, cover, and hold-on earthquake guidance, seconds save lives in earthquakes.
How to participate in the ShakeOut: rescuers and experts recommend: Drop, Cover, Hold-On: Drop to the floor before the earthquake drops you. If possible, look for protection under a sturdy table.
Cover your head with your arms and hands to reduce danger from falling or flying objects.
Hold-On in this position till the ground has stopped shaking. Today marks the 35th anniversary of the Loma Prieta Earthquake, which occurred on Oct. 17, 1989. The 6.9 magnitude quake jolted San Francisco, despite being located 56 miles from the epicenter. The city experienced twenty 4.0 or greater aftershocks in the week following the disaster. As a result, 63 died and 3,757 were injured, in addition to 963 homes and 147 businesses destroyed with many more severely damaged.
This 35th anniversary of the Loma Prieta serves as an important reminder to all Californians of the importance of being prepared for earthquakes.
Residents are encouraged to inspect their homes for hazards and see how prepared they are for disasters. First, secure your space by identifying hazards and securing movable items. Second, plan to be safe by creating your emergency plan and deciding how you will communicate. Third, organize emergency supplies in convenient and accessible locations, consider having multiple kits, in car and home. Fourth, minimize financial hardship by organizing important documents and considering insurance coverage.
—Eloy Gomez, GRF Health and Safety Specialist
During the 2023 Great ShakeOut, Mutual 6 residents honored Phil Mandeville, who died in September 2022. Mandeville's Mutual 11 and Mutual 6 had a longstanding rivalry to see which group could get the biggest turnout for the ShakeOut.
Emma DiMaggio
