The Great California ShakeOut is Thursday, October 15, 2020. Every year, Californians practice earthquake safety like drop, cover and hold on the third Thursday of October.
“Earthquakes affect us in digital learning or with on-campus learning,” said Safety and Emergency Manager Eric Vetere. “That’s why it’s just as important to practice earthquake safety and emergency preparedness during the COVID-19 crisis as it is at any other time.”
On October 15, teachers and students will be asked to participate in earthquake preparedness training during distance learning. This means setting aside time for students and teachers to practice what to do when the shaking starts:
● Before an earthquake happens, identify safe areas in your home to protect yourself from earthquakes.
● DROP onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down and also allows you to stay low and crawl to nearby cover.
● COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand or hold a sturdy object over your head and neck for protection.
○ Try to crawl away from windows.
○ If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl under it.
○ Stay on your knees and bend over to protect vital organs.
○ Keep your eyes shut to protect them from dust and debris.
● HOLD ON until the shaking stops.
○ Be ready to evacuate when the shaking stops.
People with mobility concerns should practice these alternatives:
● LOCK your wheelchair, walker, or other mobility assistance device.
○ Try to move away from windows or close to an interior wall first if possible.
● COVER your head and neck with your arms and hands or hold a sturdy object over your head and neck for protection.
○ If you can’t fully lift your arms to cover your head, do the best you can to cover as much as you can.
○ Bend over to protect your vital organs.
○ Keep your eyes shut to protect them from dust and debris.
● HOLD ON until the shaking stops.
○ Be ready to evacuate when the shaking stops.
An official ShakeOut video provides several options that people with limited mobility can use during an earthquake.
Families are also encouraged to review their emergency preparedness plans and practice evacuation procedures throughout the month of October. You can also download the free FEMA mobile app at https://www.fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/app to get real-time weather alerts, preparedness tips for more than 20 types of emergencies, and more.
Additional information and resources are available at https://www.shakeout.org/california/.
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A service of the Communications Department of San Bernardino City Unified School District