This year’s International ShakeOut Day is October 17, when millions of people worldwide will participate in earthquake drills at work, school, or home.
At 10:17 a.m. (local time) on 10/17, you can join millions of people across the world practicing earthquake safety, including staff at Goleta City Hall!
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 by shaking and reduces your chance of being hit by falling or flying objects.
COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand.
- If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath for shelter
- If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall
- Stay on your knees; bend over to protect vital organs
HOLD ON until the 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.
Or Adapt to Your Situation:
If you have difficulty getting onto the ground, or cannot get back up again without help, then follow these recommendations:
- If you are in a recliner or bed: Cover your head and neck with your arms or a pillow until the shaking stops.
- If you use a cane: Drop, Cover, and Hold On or sit on a chair, bed, etc. and cover your head and neck with both hands. Keep your cane near you so it can be used when the shaking stops.
- If you use a walker or wheelchair: LOCK your wheels (if applicable). If using a walker carefully get as low as possible. Bend over and COVER your head/neck with your arms, a book, or a pillow. Then HOLD ON until the shaking stops.
We hope you all join Goleta City Hall in practicing the Great Shakeout! Remember 10/17 at 10:17 a.m.
For more information, and to sign up to participate, go to https://www.shakeout.org/.