Thursday's Shake Out drill, family earthquake education

October 14, 6:59 PMSF Family ExaminerTeri Stoddard

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California has a 99.7% chance of having a magnitude 6.7 or larger earthquake during the next 30 years.  The Hayward fault is nine months past the "every 140 years" when a large quake is expected.  Are you prepared?

Join six to ten million people throughout California when they participate in the Shake Out Drill, the "largest earthquake drill ever!"  Register now, then at 10:15 am on Thursday, "DROP, COVER and HOLD ON" as if a large earthquake has hit northern California.  The Youtube video below will help you stage your own drill.

Common earthquake myth:

Many of us were taught to go into a doorway in the event of an earthquake.  This is wrong.  Earthquakes expected in our area could be very large, which means possible falling debris.  The best thing to do is to dive under the closest table and hold on.

Registrations include:

Alameda County

Nearly 177,000 students in 60 schools, almost 11,600 local govt, State and Federal employees, over 13,000 employees of 42 businesses, more than 5,000 employees in medical facilities and 451 individuals. 

Contra Costa County

Nearly 49,000 students in 55 Schools, over 12,000 local govt and State employees, more than 200 employees of 12 businesses and almost 200 individuals. 

With sound effects

Without sound effects

Earthquake safety links:

Shake Out

U.S. Geological Survey

7 Simple Tips for Cell Phone Users

Drop, Cover, Hold on! - Includes Beat the Quake game

Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety, Highlights:

•  Do a "hazard hunt" for items that might fall in your home during earthquakes and secure them.
• Create a personal or family disaster-preparedness plan.
• Plan for your family's specific needs (seniors, disabled, children, pets).
• Teach all household members how to use a fire extinguisher.
• Create wallet cards for each family member with essential contact information.
• Organize or refresh your emergency supply kits.
• Store at least one gallon of water per person, per day, for 3 days and ideally for 2 weeks.
• What else would you need to be on your own for up to 2 weeks?
• What would you need if you are in your car or office when the earthquake strikes?
• Identify your building's weaknesses. Ask a local earthquake retrofitting contractor for a free structural inspection of your home or building. Also, review your insurance coverage, whether home-owner or renter. Consider whether earthquake insurance is right for you.
• Create a game where everyone responds to a signal by practicing Drop Cover and Hold On. Talk to your children about what to expect during and after an earthquake.
• Enroll in a local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training to learn more about how to take care of yourself and your family when you are "on your own" after a disaster. 

Earthquake info:

Recent earthquakes in California (USGS)

Recent earthquake news:

• US seismologists report 6.0 earthquake near Samoa
• Small Earthquake Rattles Bay Area
• Mercury Insurance Urges Californians to Plan Ahead for Earthquakes

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