Once a year, millions of people in schools, government offices, homes, businesses and public places throughout California spend one morning preparing for “The Big One,” the large earthquake that experts say is inevitable for the fault-riddled state.
Since 2008, The Great California ShakeOut has been an annual drill that reminds residents to be prepared, have a plan and know what to do when the earthquake comes—no matter where you are. On Thursday, October 18 at 10:18AM, an estimated 9.3 million people will “Drop, Cover and Hold On” in a simulation of a 7.8 magnitude (or larger) quake.
Participants are asked that while they are taking cover under a sturdy surface, to use the drill as a time to assess surroundings and envision what might be happening if there was a real earthquake. What objects might be falling? What is your escape route?
The U.S. Geological survey estimates that there is a 99.7 percent chance of being devastated by a magnitude 6.8 earthquake or higher within the next 30 years. Many believe the southern portion of the San Andreas Fault would produce a magnitude 7.5 or greater if “The Big One” hits Southern California. USGS says that some 2,000 people would die, tens of thousands would be injured and more than $200 billion in damage would result from the catastrophe, which would have 50 times the intensity of the Jan. 17, 1994, Northridge earthquake.
“It’s not a chance, it’s inevitable,” said 5th District Councilmember Gerrie Schipske at last week’s Let’s Get Ready, Long Beach, an emergency-preparedness roundtable organized by her office. “Much of Long Beach is on filled in marshland and it’s going to shake like a bowl of jelly.”
Because hundreds of aftershocks would follow, a few of them nearly as big as the original event, Californians should be prepared to be self-sufficient for 72 hours following an earthquake or other major disaster. That includes having a first-aid kit, medications, food and enough water for each member of a household to drink one gallon per day for at least 72 hours, according to local and state officials.
Practicing earthquake plans and creating earthquake kits are critical steps in preparing for the difficult conditions that will occur with a major earthquake. Basic services such as electricity, water, gas or sewage treatment may be cut off for an extended period of time. Homeowners and renters should also know how to turn off the gas in their house or apartment in case of leaks.
At Schipske’s roundtable, many of the officials present reiterated that there will not be enough resources to help everybody during disaster time.
“Citizens need to become the first responders in a lot of cases,” said Schipske. “You’ve got to know your neighborhood.”
The Great California ShakeOut is organized by the Earthquake Country Alliance. Simulating what would happen in a major earthquake is an invaluable opportunity for us to better understand how disaster of this magnitude could affect our homes and loved ones. Please participate in the Great ShakeOut.
For more information on earthquake preparedness, visit Long Beach Fire Department’s Earthquake Preparedness website or the USGS’ preparedness page.