Many of the world`s foremost scientists and experts on earthquakes are convening at the annual meeting of the Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC). They are joined by leaders of the Earthquake Country Alliance (ECA), who are organizing California`s first statewide earthquake drill at 10:15 a.m. on October 15.
ECA and SCEC leaders strongly encourage all California residents and organizations to:
- prepare for earthquakes;
- practice how to protect against earthquake injury (the purpose of the ShakeOut
on Oct. 15!); - learn how to recover quickly by safeguarding property and finances in
advance.
With one month until the 2009 ShakeOut, more than 4.6 million people-in businesses, government offices, neighborhoods, schools, and as individuals-have been registered at www.ShakeOut.org. Last year, 5.4 million people participated in the Great Southern California ShakeOut. The drill is now statewide, and will be an annual opportunity to improve preparedness and practice protective actions.
“We think we can easily surpass last year`s numbers, but only if people, schools, businesses and organizations register on the ShakeOut website,” saidMark Benthien, executive director of the Earthquake Country Alliance and director for communications of SCEC. “Registering allows us to know what people are planning for their drills and how many people are involved. We can also send them updates and preparedness information.”
“September is National Preparedness Month and is a time for individuals and families to prepare for all potential hazards, including earthquakes. In California, Preparedness Month will be followed with an earthquake drill in October to test our readiness-it`s called the Great California ShakeOut,” added Matthew Bettenhausen, California Emergency Management Agency Acting Secretary. So act now to secure contents in your home or office so they won`t fall, organize your emergency supplies, and update your family emergency plan. Then on October 15 practice Drop, Cover and Hold On.”
Drop, Cover and Hold On is the recommended procedure in an earthquake. People should quickly get under a heavy table or desk to avoid being hit by falling objects-or get on the ground next to an interior wall and cover your head and neck with your arms. People can learn what to do, no matter where they are when the earthquake strikes, at www.dropcoverholdon.org. Regional information, such as details about earthquake hazards, lists of who is participating, and much more can be accessed using a clickable California map on www.ShakeOut.org.
All areas of California have experienced earthquakes in the past and there are hundreds of faults throughout the state that can have large earthquakes. A 2008 report (www.scec.org/ucerf) estimates that there is a 50% chance of a magnitude 7.5 or greater earthquake somewhere in California anytime in the next 30 years. While some areas are less likely than others to have such earthquakes, residents in those areas may visit more active areas. So everyone should know what to do during strong shaking.
This is a good time, as well, for people to review their financial preparation. Everyone should have cash on hand and copies of account numbers and insurance policies handy. A general homeowners or renters policy does not cover earthquake damage. People should call their own insurance agent, or go to the California Earthquake Authority Web site (www.earthquakeauthority.com), to view a list of participating insurance companies who sell earthquake insurance.
Visit Great California ShakeOut Website
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