<<back

The Great Shakeout earthquake scenario will occur on Thursday, November 13 at 10 AM.  But where will you be?  Away from home along with thousands of others - at work, school, driving, shopping, or maybe out of town?  Just as important as planning for a disaster at home, everyone needs to plan for his or her safety away from home.

At School  All of the schools in the Palos Verdes School District have developed comprehensive disaster plans with the Sheriff’s Department and are probably much better equipped to take care of your children than when they’re at home.  When a quake strikes, let the schools and first responders do their job.  Parents can become part of the problem when they add to traffic gridlock by driving to the schools, parking in areas impeding first responders, and trying to collect children before everyone is accounted for.  All parents should know their childrens’ school plans for disasters and adhere to their instructions.

At Work  Any business that intends to stay in business after a disasterous earthquake (an estimated 25% don’t) should make sure that the owner and top managers weave preparedness into the company’s daily activities.  This includes reviewing insurance coverage, shelter safety procedures, an emergency contact list, a list of inventory and equipment, backing up files, and preparing individual employees.  The building’s potential hazards, weaknesses and location of utilities should be noted.  Other decisions should be made:  what key equipment will be needed to carry on, is a generator needed to keep things going, and where they’ll set up if temporarily evacuated.  Personal disaster supplies should be stocked up (water, food, first aid) as well as equipment (gear as simple as a crowbar can help pry open jammed doors).  Drills and evacuations (not using elevators) should be planned.  Practice ducking under heavy desks, moving away from windows, going towards interior walls and protecting heads with their arms.  Get more information at www.ShakeOut.org/businesses or www.ready.gov.

In Your Car  If you are driving, pull over to a clear location on the side of the road, but avoid being on or under bridges, overpasses, ramps and near power lines.  Stay in your vehicle with your seat belt on until the shaking stops, and then proceed with caution.  In the Great ShakeOut scenario, it is assumed that damage to vehicles and obstructions on roadways will lead to a massive gridlock.  You may have to remain in your car for several hours, and in some cases to abandon it to walk home or get to a disaster shelter.  Use your car AM radio to obtain information about the extent of damage and instructions.  Carry a backpack with water, walking shoes, flashlight, flares or fire extinguisher, a blanket, book and food.

In a Store or Mall  Do not rush to the exit when the shaking starts.  Move away from display shelves where objects can fall on you, and away from windows.  Get under a solid table if possible, or if there is a solid wall nearby, move next to it and protect your head with your arms.  Remain calm and if the store’s security personnel instruct you to, exit after the shaking stops.

Outdoors  Move to an open area if possible, away from trees, signs, buildings, or downed electric wires and poles.  If you are on a city street when shaking starts, duck into a doorway to avoid falling glass and debris.  At the beach, move to higher ground, as earthquakes often trigger tsunamis.

Traveling  While in bed at a hotel, stay where you are, hold on, cover your head and neck with a pillow.  If you’re traveling out of the area, be sure you have worked out with 1 or 2 nearby neighbors to check your home, and give them permission to turn off your gas and other utilities if necessary.  If you haven’t already done so, it is most important that you let the Earthquake Alliances management know you’re participating in this drill by registering at www.ShakeOut.org/register.