International ShakeOut Day is held annually on the third Thursday in October. This year, it will take place on October 19th, where millions of people will participate across the nation at 10:19 a.m. by practicing the drop, cover, and hold drill for earthquake preparedness.
The ShakeOut organization recommends doing these steps in order to protect yourself in the event of an earthquake:
DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down and reduces your chances of being hit by falling or flying objects.
COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand.
- If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath for shelter.
- If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall.
- Stay on your knees; bend over to protect vital organs.
HOLD ON until the 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.
The things you should NOT do during an earthquake are: do not get in a doorway, modern houses and buildings have doorways that are no safer than the rest of the home. Also, do not run outside during an earthquake due to the shaking, which may cause you to fall down or objects to unexpectedly fall or be thrown at you. The main goal of “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” is to protect you from falling and flying debris.
San Bernardino County is earthquake country, and the shaking can start at any moment. Being prepared offers you and your loved ones the best chance of survival and recovery, which is what the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill is all about. Visit their website for more information about earthquakes and disaster preparedness: www.shakeout.org
