International ShakeOut Day is the third Thursday of October; this year it’s October 17. As always, you can hold your personal ShakeOut drill when and where you want.
Taking the proper actions, such as “Drop, Cover, and Hold On,” can save lives and reduce the risk of injury to you and family members during an earthquake. Everyone, everywhere, should learn and practice what to do during an earthquake, whether at home, work, school, or 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. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter. If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows). Stay on your knees; bend over to protect vital organs.
- HOLD ON until shaking stops. If you are under shelter, hold on to your shelter with one hand; be ready to move with it if it shifts. If no shelter, hold on to your head and neck with both arms and hands.
For more information, visit: shakeout.org/california
