Los Angeles — At 10:19 a.m. local time on Oct. 19, an estimated 47 million people around the world will take part in an earthquake preparedness drill.
International ShakeOut Day first started in California in 2008. It’s an opportunity for workplaces, schools and people at home to practice earthquake safety. For many participants, that will include the “Drop, Cover and Hold On” drill. According to the ShakeOut website:
Drop wherever you are, onto your hands and knees. This position can protect you from being knocked down and decreases your chance of being hit by flying or falling objects.
Cover your head and neck with one arm and a 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.
“While we encourage participation with everyone, you can register your ShakeOut drill for any day of the year, and drill at a time of your choice,” the website says. “You can also include people in multiple locations through video conferencing.”
The initiative is sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Geological Survey and others.
