Orange County Sheriff’s Department
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Lt. Jeff Hallock, (714) 904-7042/Gail Krause, (714) 647-1840

The Great California ShakeOut is coming – October 17 at 10:17 a.m.

Everyone, everywhere, should know how to protect themselves during earthquakes

SANTA ANA, CA – (October 16, 2013) – On Thursday, October 17 at 10:17 a.m., Orange County residents, students and businesses will practice the “Drop, Cover and Hold On” position as part of the world’s largest earthquake drill – the Great California ShakeOut.

“We know earthquakes will happen in Orange County and will have the potential to impact our resources,” said Sheriff Sandra Hutchens. “Every Orange County resident should know how to prepare themselves and their families for when an earthquake happens.”

Since its inception in 2008, the ShakeOut has encouraged Californians to prepare for, survive, and recover quickly from the next big earthquake by practicing essential emergency plans. This year, more than nine million Californians are anticipated to participate. In addition, more than 20 million people worldwide will participate in Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills spanning 43 U.S. states, territories and several countries.

Residents and businesses can register for the drill at www.ShakeOut.org/California. Here are seven steps everyone should know to prepare for, survive, and recover from an earthquake:

PREPARE

1. Secure your space by identifying hazards and securing moveable items such as furniture to avoid injuries and damage.

2. Plan to be safe by creating a disaster plan and deciding how you will communicate in an emergency. Examples include: Where will you meet your family? How will you get to work? Do you know how to perform CPR or to use a fire extinguisher?

3. Organize disaster supplies in convenient locations.

4. Minimize financial hardship by organizing important documents, strengthening your property, and considering insurance.

SURVIVE

5. Always Drop, Cover, and Hold On immediately! If there is no table or desk near you, drop to the ground and then if possible move to an inside corner of the room. Remain in a crawling position to protect your vital organs and cover your head and neck with your hands and arms.

6. Improve safety after earthquakes by evacuating, if necessary, helping the injured, and preventing further injuries or damage.

RECOVER

7. Restore daily life by reconnecting with others, repairing damage, and rebuilding community. To keep phone lines accessible for emergency use communicate via text message rather than calling.

These are guidelines for most situations. Visit www.earthquakecountry.org to learn how to protect yourself in other situations and locations, including safety tips for people with disabilities, access and functional needs.

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