The City of Long Beach is encouraging all residents, businesses, schools and visitors to take part in this year’s “Great ShakeOut” earthquake drill at 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15, to practice what to do in the event of a major earthquake.
“The pandemic, along with recent earthquakes and wildfires in Southern California, have underscored the importance of being prepared in the event of an emergency,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “I encourage everyone to participate in the Great ShakeOut to ensure that you and your families have a plan and are ready in case of an earthquake.”
The recent 4.5 earthquake centered in the City of San Gabriel serves as a reminder that earthquake planning and preparedness is a necessity for all Southern California residents.
This year brings the additional element of participating in the drill while keeping COVID-19 considerations in mind. The City supports participation, especially during this time, as plans and evacuation drills can be modified to follow current CDC guidelines.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends the following actions during an earthquake:
- DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down.
- COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, and if able, crawl underneath it for shelter.
- HOLD ON until the shaking stops.
Residents with mobility issues are encouraged to download this Earthquake Preparedness Guide.
In addition to participating in the earthquake drill, residents are encouraged to prepare to be self-sufficient for at least five days in the event of a large-scale incident. Residents should
- Create an emergency plan for their home and family.
- Put together an emergency supply kit, including food, water and tools.
- Make sure that all family members know how to contact one another.
Further, all residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertLongBeach, the City’s mass notification system; download the ShakeAlertLA or MyShake mobile apps to receive early warnings of earthquakes occurring in Los Angeles County; and learn basic emergency medical techniques through Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training or the American Red Cross. To learn more about Disaster Preparedness, residents can visit longbeach.gov/DisasterPreparedness.
The Great ShakeOut is an international earthquake drill that offers the public an opportunity to practice earthquake readiness and update emergency plans to help be prepared in the event of seismic activity.
For the latest information on COVID-19, with details on all that the City of Long Beach is doing to keep its residents safe, visit longbeach.gov/COVID19 and follow @LongBeachCity on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram