Millions of residents, students and office workers in Los Angeles and Orange counties and across the state will “drop, cover and hold on” Thursday as part of the 17th annual Great California ShakeOut drill aimed at promoting earthquake preparedness.
The drill, which is designed to simulate the response to a massive 7.8- magnitude earthquake on the southern San Andreas fault, was developed to teach people what to do when a large temblor strikes and ways to prepare for such a disaster.
“It’s not a matter of if an earthquake of this size will happen — but when,” according to the ShakeOut website. “And it is possible that it will happen in our lifetime.”
Organizers of the annual event said preparing for such a devastating temblor is essential to limit the loss of life and ensure residents and families are prepared to respond to the event and cope with its aftermath.
“Unless we take action today, there will be major losses of life and property,” according to event organizers. “The ShakeOut has been organized to help raise awareness as well as help Californians prepare for the big earthquakes in our future.”
According to the ShakeOut website, more than 10.3 million Californians had registered to participate in the drill as of Wednesday evening, including 3.4 million in Los Angeles County and 850,000 in Orange County. During last year’s event, about 10.4 million statewide registered to take part.
The exercises began in 2008.
Cities across Los Angeles and Orange counties have registered to take part in the drill, along with most elementary and high school districts and major universities.
According to ShakeOut.org, the objective is to emphasize precautions during a 7.8-magnitude or larger quake along the southernmost portion of the San Andreas fault.
Officials believe such a tectonic shift could produce at least two minutes of shaking waves of movement for hundreds of miles, over four minutes. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a 7.8 earthquake would cause more than 1,800 deaths, 50,000 injuries, more than $200 billion in damage, along with long-term disruptions.
Experts say Californians should be prepared to be self-sufficient for 72 hours following a major disaster. That includes having a first-aid kit, medications, food and enough water for each member of a household to drink one gallon per day.
Homeowners and renters should also know how to turn off the gas in their residences in case of leaks.
