LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Following the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s “National Preparedness Month” in September, individuals and communities throughout California will participate in the 10th annual Great California ShakeOut earthquake drill.
Held annually on the third Thursday of October, the ShakeOut International Day of Action is set for Thursday, October 18, at 10:18 a.m., according to Lt. Corey Paulich of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
All citizens, businesses, and communities in Lake County are encouraged participate.
During the self-led drill, participants practice how to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.”
Endorsed by emergency officials and first responders, the safe response to an earthquake is to:
– 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. If you’re under shelter, hold on to it with one hand; be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts. If there is no shelter, hold on to your head and neck with both arms and hands.
– HOLD ON until shaking stops.
Wednesday, Oct. 17, marks the anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake.
On Oct. 17, 1989, a 6.9-magnitude earthquake hit the San Francisco Bay Area. The shaking was felt across the region including Lake County.
In that quake, 67 people lost their lives and there was more than $5 billion in damages.
The 6.0-magnitude quake on Aug. 24, 2014, in Napa serves as a reminder that large earthquakes can occur with little to no warning.
The region is home to several active seismic zones capable of producing damaging earthquakes, including the San Andreas, Hayward/Rodgers Creek and the Cascadia Subduction Zone.
While damaging earthquakes in Lake County may be fewer in number when compared to other areas, they can occur at any time, Paulich said.
As such, everyone, everywhere should know how to protect themselves from an earthquake.
The ShakeOut is free and open-to-the-public, and participants include individuals, schools, businesses, local and state government agencies, and many other groups.
To take part in the ShakeOut, individuals and organizations are asked to join the drill by registering to participate www.shakeout.org .
Once registered, participants receive regular information on how to plan their drill and become better prepared for earthquakes and other disasters.
Paulich said the Lake County Sheriff’s Office is now using LakeCoAlerts to communicate with citizens and businesses during emergencies and other critical events. Residents are encouraged to register immediately to receive these alerts by visiting www.lakesheriff.com.
Lake County residents encouraged to participate in Oct. 18 ‘Great California Shakeout’
- Lake County News reports
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