Following FEMA’s “National Preparedness Month” in September, individuals and communities throughout Monterey Park will participate in the Great California ShakeOut earthquake drill today.
Held annually on the third Thursday of October, the Great California ShakeOut is set for Thursday, October 18, 2018 at 10:18 a.m. During the self-led drill, participants practice how to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” Endorsed by emergency officials and first responders, the safe response to an earthquake is to:
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
- 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.
According to Monterey Park Fire Chief Scott Haberle, “While damaging earthquakes here may be fewer in number when compared to other areas, they can occur at any time wherever we work, live, or travel within the region and beyond. Everyone, everywhere should know how to protect themselves from an earthquake.”
The ShakeOut is free and open-to-the-public, and participants include individuals, schools, businesses, local and state government agencies, and many other groups. To take part in the ShakeOut, individuals and organizations are asked to join the drill by registering to participate at www.shakeout.org. Once registered, participants receive regular information on how to plan their drill and become better prepared for earthquakes and other disasters.
Media Contact
Division Chief Matt Hallock, PIO, Monterey Park Fire Department
MHallock@montereypark.ca.gov
626-307-1270
www.MontereyPark.ca.gov
