Southern California to Participate in Statewide Earthquake Drill: Great California ShakeOut 2024

On October 19, Southern California will participate in the Great California ShakeOut, a statewide earthquake preparedness drill set for 10:17 a.m. This year marks the 16th iteration of the drill, with over 10.5 million anticipated participants focused on practicing emergency protocols for earthquake safety, reinforcing community resilience in the face of potential seismic threats.

On Thursday, Southern Californians in government offices, educational institutions, and businesses will pause for one minute at 10:17 a.m. to engage in the statewide earthquake preparedness drill, known as the Great California ShakeOut, marking its 16th year of implementation. Participants will perform the emergency procedure of ‘drop, cover, and hold on’ as a critical component of earthquake preparedness. According to ShakeOut.org, the ongoing efforts in earthquake readiness directly influence community survival and recovery following a seismic event. The website reported that over 10.5 million Californians were anticipated to partake in the drill, which includes 3.4 million individuals in Los Angeles County and 954,000 in Orange County. The participation numbers show a significant increase from last year’s estimated 10.2 million registrants. The Great California ShakeOut originated in 2008 as a structured program to promote earthquake safety. Counties and municipalities participating in the drill include El Segundo, Arcadia, and different departments of the city and county of Los Angeles, among others. Nearly every elementary and high school district, alongside institutions such as California State University and the Los Angeles Community College District, are also joining the efforts. Additionally, the Metrolink commuter rail system will slow all trains to simulate an earthquake response at the designated drill time, while the Orange County Sheriff’s Department plans to test its AlertOC emergency notification system to send precautionary messages to residents’ phones. The ShakeOut initiative is endorsed by officials who emphasize the need for preparedness in light of potential seismic activity along the Southern portion of the San Andreas fault. They highlight the severity of possible outcomes, with projections suggesting that a major earthquake could inflict severe human and economic tolls, including the loss of thousands of lives and damages exceeding $200 billion. Authorities stress the importance of individual preparedness for a minimum of 72 hours following a significant seismic event, advising households to have emergency supplies such as water, food, and first-aid items readily available. Residents are also encouraged to familiarize themselves with local gas shut-off procedures to prevent leaks during an earthquake.

The Great California ShakeOut is an annual event focusing on earthquake preparedness strategies and drills to educate the public on safety protocols. Earthquakes pose a significant threat to California due to its geographic location along the tectonically active San Andreas fault, and the ShakeOut serves to instill a culture of preparedness within communities. Local and state officials continue to advocate for readiness measures to enhance safety and mitigate potential damage during earthquake events.

The upcoming Great California ShakeOut drill emphasizes the necessity for earthquake preparedness in Southern California. This initiative not only involves millions of participants across various sectors but also serves to increase public awareness regarding the devastating impacts of potential seismic activities. It underscores the critical importance of being equipped with emergency supplies and knowledge to reduce risks associated with such disasters.

Original Source: abc7.com