Adelanto, Apple Valley, Barstow, Big Bear Lake, Hesperia, Oak Hills, Phelan, Victorville, Yermo
In an effort to better prepare for a large earthquake, over 660,000 people in San Bernardino County have already registered to practice DROP, COVER and HOLD ON by participating in the Great California ShakeOut to be held on Thursday, Oct. 15 at 10:15 a.m.
All San Bernardino County Employees will participate in the ShakeOut as well as employees from many of the county’s 24 cities and towns. Children throughout the county will participate at school. In addition to the DROP, COVER and HOLD ON Drill many participants will also practice a fire drill by evacuating buildings. Responders and government officials will use the opportunity to test emergency communication systems including satellite phones, online programs and HAM radio.
San Bernardino County is home to the San Andreas Fault which has the potential to produce a “Great Earthquake” measuring 8.0 or larger. Such a quake would be devastating to the county and the surrounding region. Organized by the Earthquake Country Alliance, the Great California ShakeOut Earthquake Drill is now in its eighth year and is a part of ShakeOut Drills conducted worldwide. The drill helps reinforce the need for people to know what to do when the earth begins to move. Experts agree that in California the greatest risk of injury will result from non-structural hazards. Protecting yourself from those items around you that may fall or be thrown during an earthquake is best achieved by dropping to the ground and taking cover under something sturdy like a desk or table. Be sure to hold on to the desk or table as the item itself can move during the shaking which could last for more than two minutes. The San Bernardino County Fire, Office of Emergency Services reminds you that when the earth begins to move DROP, COVER and HOLD ON!
For more information on the Great California ShakeOut visit http://www.sbcfire.org/oes/shakeout.aspx or San Bernardino County Fire/Office of Emergency Services at (909) 356-3998.