Prepare to DROP, COVER and HOLD ON in the Great California ShakeOut earthquake drill on October 20, 2022 at 10:20 a.m.
SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF. – The County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors recognizes the critical importance of emergency preparedness by all county residents, workers and students for earthquakes and other disasters. The Board has proclaimed October 20, 2022 as Earthquake Readiness Day, when at precisely 10:20 a.m., the County will participate in the Great California ShakeOut earthquake drill. Community members are encouraged to participate in the drill from wherever they may be as earthquakes occur without warning.
This year also marks the 33rd anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake. On October 17, 1989, the 6.9 magnitude Loma Prieta earthquake struck at 5:04 p.m. and resulted in 63 deaths, 3,757 injuries, and 12,053 displaced individuals.
“Earthquakes like Loma Prieta serve as a stark reminder to be disaster ready. Community members are encouraged to sign up and participate in this year's Great California ShakeOut drill, when millions of people worldwide participate in earthquake drills at work, school, or home,” said Dana Reed, Director of the Office of Emergency Management. “Participating in the ShakeOut drill strengthens the community’s resiliency by implementing preparedness measures that will help you recover more quickly when the next big earthquake happens. Community members can still sign up for the Great California ShakeOut by going to www.ShakeOut.org.”
It is easy to become earthquake ready in just a few minutes. No-cost actions include moving heavy objects from top shelves down to the lower shelves and not hanging heavy objects over beds and sofas. Low-cost actions include securing cabinets and drawers, adding safety latches to keep cups and dishes from falling out, and securely fastening large appliances and furniture to wall studs or bolting them down.
Additional steps you can take to be earthquake ready:
- Secure your space by identifying hazards and securing moveable items such as furniture and other heavy objects to avoid injuries and damage.
- Plan to be safe by creating a disaster plan and deciding how you will communicate in an emergency. Where will you meet your family? How will you get to work? Do you know how to perform CPR or use a fire extinguisher?
- Organize disaster supplies by packing Go Bags and an emergency supply kit for when you may be required to evacuate immediately.
- Minimize financial hardship by organizing important documents, strengthening your property, and considering insurance.
- Practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On so that you know what to do when an earthquake strikes.
- Improve safety after earthquakes by evacuating, helping the injured if possible, and being ready for aftershocks.
- Reconnect and restore by checking in with family, friends, and neighbors, repairing damage, and rebuilding your community.
For more information on earthquake preparedness, visit www.PrepareSCC.org/Earthquake.
Earthquakes don’t wait for you. Be ready today.
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About the Office of Emergency Management
The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) engages the whole community in assessing needs and developing strategies to achieve stronger preparedness, prevention, response, and mitigation capabilities within the Santa Clara County Operational Area. We are committed to safeguarding lives, property, and the environment during the preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation phases of emergency management. OEM is directly responsible for supporting and providing coordinated response to the Operational Area and first responders including fire, law enforcement, and emergency medical services in emergencies and disasters.
Media Contacts: Kia Xiong, Emergency & Risk Communications Officer, / Charles Harris, Communications Officer, Office of Emergency Management, Media Line: (408) 808-7866