ShakeOut set Oct. 20

  • Published
  • By 60th Civil Engineer Squadron
  • Emergency Management
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  You are invited to join millions of people who will "Drop, Cover and Hold On" at 10:16 a.m. on Oct. 20 in the 2014 Great California ShakeOut.

More than 24.9 million people were registered in ShakeOut drills worldwide in 2013. Of those people, 9.6 million were Californians. Participating is a great way for your family or organization to become better prepared to survive and recover quickly from earthquakes.

Why is drop, cover and hold on important to practice? You may only have a few seconds to protect yourself in an earthquake before strong shaking knocks you down or something falls on you. Practicing helps you be ready to react. It also is recommended that you, your school or organization, and your community review and update plans and supplies as well as secure your space in order to prevent damage and injuries.

What does drop, cover and hold on mean? First step is drop down onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from falling but allows you to still move if necessary.     The second step, cover, protects your head and neck under a sturdy table or desk. If there is no shelter nearby, you should get down near an interior wall and cover your head and neck with your arms and hands.

If outside, find an area clear of trees, overpasses, bridges, power lines, and any other objects that could fall on you. Hold on to your shelter or head and neck until shaking stops. Be prepared to move with your shelter if the shaking shifts around.

Everyone can participate. Individuals, families, schools and other organizations are all invited. The notification will broadcast over the giant voice and AtHoc at the mentioned time and date. For more information, check out www.shakeout.org or contact your unit's emergency management representative.