Great Southern California ShakeOut

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The Great Southern California ShakeOut is a week-long event promoting earthquake preparedness occuring November 12-16, 2008, featuring what will be the largest earthquake drill in U.S. history on November 13, 2008 at 10 A.M. ^[1] This drill will take place at homes, businesses, schools, places of worship and communities across southern California. The ShakeOut is being organized by the Earthquake Country Alliance. Registration is encouraged at the ShakeOut website.

1 Purpose
2 Scenario
3 Preparedness
4 External Links

[edit] Purpose

The purpose of this event is to raise awareness about earthquake preparedness in southern California, as well as to teach residents how they can prepare for a major earthquake.^[2] This includes, but is not limited to, tips for securing one's space, items to have on-site in case of an earthquake, and what to do during the shaking itself. ^[3]

[edit] Scenario

The ShakeOut is based upon a scenario created by the United States Geological Survey and California Geological Survey, in which a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hits an area off the coast of the Salton Sea, centered on the San Andreas Fault. This would be similar in magnitude to the 2008 Sichuan Earthquake, which the USGS measured at 7.9 on the Richter Scale. The scenario involves shaking in downtown Los Angeles that lasts for 55 seconds, eight times longer than the shaking of the 1994 Northridge Earthquake.^[4] The scenario also outlines what may happen after the earthquake, including structural damage to over 600,000 buildings, 1,600 fires, over $200 billion in damage, 50,000 injuries, and 1,800 deaths. ^[5]

A map showing the severity of the shaking in various parts of southern California is on the right. The star represents the epicenter of the earthquake, while the black line follows the San Andreas Fault.

[edit] Preparedness

There are a number of things that can be done to prepare for such an earthquake. Suggestions include:

Retrofitting homes and buildings to be earthquake safe
Storing water; at least a gallon per person per day for at least 3 days and up to 2 weeks.
Storing non-perishable food.
Having a working fire extinguisher
Securing heavy items
Family and business communication plans in the event of an earthquake
Having disaster supply kits ready. ^[6]