October 20th is a big day. On 10/20 at 10:20 a.m. International Shakeout Day officially begins! The Great Shakeout is a worldwide earthquake drill that can be done at work, school, or home. It is only 60-seconds long, but the short practice could save you and your loved ones lives during a real earthquake. Here at the City of Goleta, we hope you’ll take that minute to participate.
Here’s what to do when the time comes. If you are inside a building at 10:20 a.m., move no more than a few steps and:
- DROP to the ground
- Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and
- HOLD ON until the shaking stops (or 60 seconds for the length of the drill)
For a real earthquake, stay indoors until you are certain that the shaking has stopped.
If you’re outside for the drill, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, streetlights, or powerlines (away from anything that could fall and hit you), then DROP before the earthquake sweeps you off your feet.
Most injuries and deaths are caused by collapsing walls, rooms, glass, or other falling objects. Make sure you do not travel far to find cover, the earthquake will trip you and you don’t want to be caught in the open.
We hope you all join Goleta City Hall in practicing the Great Shakeout! Remember 10/20 at 10:20 a.m.
For more information, and to sign up to participate, go to https://www.shakeout.org/.