More than 5.7 million students, teachers and administrators throughout the state will join businesspeople, hospital staff emerency responders and folk in their homes in participation during the 2011 Great California ShakeOut earthquake drill set for today at 10:20 a.m. Overall, more than 8.5 million Californians have registered to take part in the “Drop, Cover and Hold On” drill.
Also, more than 50 radio stations throughout the state will broadcast what to do if and when the shaking begins.
A large magnitude earthquake is one of the greatest threats looming over Southern California.
Geological forecast have shown that an earthquake of a magnitude 6.7 or larger is likely to occur along the southern San Andreas Fault in the next 30 years.
This is the fourth annual ShakeOut drill, and it is designed to prepare Angelenos for what to do before, during, and after an earthquake. Los Angeles County is expecting more than 2.9 million participants. Last year, the ShakeOut had 7.9 million state participants.
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles serves as the primary county resource on preparation for treating children in the wake of a disaster. It has established the Pediatric Disaster Resources and Training Center (PDRTC) so that healthcare providers are prepared to handle all emergency medical needs of injured children.
To find out information concerning the drills, go to www.ShakeOut.org. The website lists more than 30 ShakeOut event venues and many of the 50-plus radio and television stations around the state that will carry an actual drill broadcast–a 60-second message leading participants statewide through the recommended “Drop, Cover and Hold On” drill and providing valuable information about other precautionary measures, over earthquake sound effects.
