Village News

On October 15 at 10:15 a.m., Laguna Woods Village will participate in the Great California ShakeOut drill, an annual opportunity to practice how to be safe during a large earthquake. Residents are encouraged to “drop, cover and hold on” for one minute and to review the ShakeOut website at shakeout.org/california/index.html for other earthquake safety tips.

Due to the pandemic, our Good Neighbor Building and Block Captains will not contact neighbors in person or simulate a building assessment. Instead, all Village residents are asked to participate in the drill by identifying where they would “drop, cover and hold on” in the event of an earthquake, inventorying their personal emergency supplies and updating emergency contact information with friends and family.

Laguna Woods Village residents who would like additional information or are interested in joining the Disaster Preparedness Task Force can email the Security Department at chief@vmsinc.org.

CodeRED

At the same time as the drill, the Village will test its CodeRED emergency notification system with a limited text/email to Good Neighbor/Building Captains. Those residents who have not yet registered for CodeRED alerts are strongly encouraged to do so, as it delivers critical information to residents in the event of an emergency. Enroll in CodeRED by visiting lagunawoodsvillage.com and clicking the CodeRED logo on the top left-hand corner of the homepage.

Drop, Cover and Hold On

Taking the proper actions, such as “drop, cover and hold on,” can save lives and reduce the risk of injury. Learn and practice what to do during an earthquake, whether at home or work, or while traveling.

In most situations, you will reduce your chance of injury if you:

• 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.
  • Stay on your knees; bend over to protect vital organs.
• Hold on until shaking stops.
  • No shelter: Hold on to your head and neck with both arms and hands.

• Crawl underneath a nearby sturdy table or desk for shelter.
• Crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows) if no shelter is nearby.

• Under shelter: Hold on to it with one hand; be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts.

Lock, Cover and Hold On

If it’s hard for you to get on the ground or you cannot get back up again without help, follow these recommendations:

• Cover your head and neck with your arms or a pillow until the shaking stops if you are in a recliner or bed.
• Drop, cover and hold on to or sit on a chair, bed or other sturdy item, and cover your head and neck with both hands if you use a cane, and keep it nearby.
• Lock your wheels if you use a walker or wheelchair. Carefully get as low as possible. Bend over and cover your head and neck with your arms, a book or a pillow and hold on until the shaking stops.

For more tips, read the Earthquake Country Alliance flyer “Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety.” 

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