This year’s Great California ShakeOut, the annual statewide drill designed to give residents an opportunity to practice preparedness for and safety during a large earthquake, is scheduled to begin at 10:19 a.m. on Thursday, October 19.
The Security Department and Disaster Preparedness Task Force encourage all Village residents to participate in the drill and identify where they would “drop, cover and hold on” in the event of an earthquake, inventory their personal emergency supplies and update their emergency contact information with friends and family. The Great California ShakeOut website and an informational pdf offer earthquake safety tips as well as information on why you should register for the drill, planning your drill, how you can participate and more. Californians may register at ShakeOut.org/california.
Drop, Cover and Hold On
Taking the proper actions can save lives and reduce your 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.”
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.
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