Great California ShakeOut 2009
The Great California ShakeOut is a safety drill to promote earthquake preparedness and public safety that occurs in the third week in October each year. In 2009, the Great California Shakeout occurs on October 15 at 10:15 a.m., and features the largest earthquake drill in U.S. history. This drill takes place in homes, businesses, schools, places of worship and communities across California.
In 2009, organizers expanded the ShakeOut to include the entire state of California and called it the Great California Shakeout ( for information AbOUT the 2008 event, see the Great Southern California ShakeOut 2008); in San Francisco, the October 2009 drill and events are called The Big Rumble, featuring week-long events to connect Bay Area communities with preparedness resources and provide residents of San Francisco with the information and knowledge to prepare, respond and recover in the event of a disaster. Organizers of The Big Rumble planned events and activities to coicide with the 20th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake on October 17, 1989.
Purpose
The purpose of this safety drill is to raise awareness about earthquake preparedness in California, as well as to teach residents how they can prepare for a major earthquake. This includes, but is not limited to, tips for securing one's home and office, items to have on-site in case of an earthquake, how much food and water to store, and what to do during the shaking itself (duck cover and hold on).
Scenario
The Great California ShakeOut is based on a simple scenario - wherever one is at 10:15 am, drop under a sturdy item such as a desk or table, remain under cover and hold on for two minutes. Participants are encouraged to add on safety drills such as evacuations, CERT team musters, first responder communications checks, etc.
Preparedness
There are a number of things that one can do to prepare for an earthquake. Suggestions include:
- Retrofitting homes and buildings to be earthquake safe
- Storing water; at least one gallon per person per day for at least 3 days and up to 2 weeks.
- Storing non-perishable food.
- Having working ABC-rated fire extinguishers for the kitchen, garage, and car.
- Having a first aid kit and first aid instructions.
- Family and business communication plans in the event of an earthquake.
- If needing to evacuate, have a list of the top ten or more items to pack.
- Having disaster supply kits ready.