The Great Shake Out provides all Californians with the opportunity to learn and practice their earthquake safety skills annually on the third Thursday of October, which this years calls on the 15th. While COVID-19 has brought many uncertainties and challenges, one thing's for sure: Shake Out is still happening this year!
The City of Glendale shares the goal of the Great Shake Out to “encourage people and organizations to be prepared to survive and to recover quickly when the next big earthquake happens.”
Remember to “Drop, cover, and hold on!” Here are a few things to consider:
DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down and also allows you to stay low and crawl to shelter if nearby.
COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand
If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter
If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows)
Stay on your knees; bend over to protect vital organs
HOLD ON until shaking stops
Under shelter: hold on to it with one hand; be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts
No shelter: hold on to your head and neck with both arms and hands.
There re also seven steps to earthquake safety you should always consider. These steps are broken down into two categories:
PREPARE:
Step 1: Secure your space by identifying hazards and securing moveable items.
Step 2: Plan to be safe by creating a disaster plan and deciding how you will communicate in an emergency.
Step 3: Organize disaster supplies in convenient locations.
Step 4: Minimize financial hardship by organizing important documents, strengthening your property, and considering insurance.
SURIVE AND RECOVER:
Step 5: Drop, Cover, and Hold On when the earth shakes.
Step 6: Improve safety after earthquakes by evacuating if necessary, helping the injured, and preventing further injuries or damage.
*After the immediate threat of the earthquake has passed, your level of preparedness will determine your quality of life in the weeks and months that follow:
Step 7: Reconnect and Restore, Restore daily life by reconnecting with others, repairing damage, and rebuilding community.
Learn more about the Great Shake Out by visiting ShakeOut.org
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