Councilwoman Gerrie SchipskeFifth District
333 W. Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 570-6932

9/29/2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE #LD05-220
Subject :

Schipske Challenges 5th District Resident to Participate in “Great Shake Out”
Contact :Office of Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske    562-570-6932
Are You Ready to Shake Out? Fifth District Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske wants to know and is challenging her residents to join her in signing up for the Great Southern California Shake Out. The Shake Out is scheduled on November 13 and will be the largest statewide earthquake drill ever held. Schipske and her staff are trained members of CERT – Community Emergency Response Team and she has been encouraging her residents to get prepared for an earthquake since she took office in 2006.

"I am challenging the residents of the 5th Council District to go on-line and register for information on how to participate in this important week of special events that will include a massive earthquake drill at 10 AM on November 13, 2008," says Schipske. "Let’s show the rest of California just how interested Long Beach residents are in preparing for the big earthquake and preventing disasters from becoming catastrophes."

Schipske explains that "The Great Southern California Shake Out" is a week of special events organized by the Earthquake Country Alliance and features the largest earthquake preparedness activity in United States history.  The event is being organized to inspire Southern Californians to get ready for big earthquakes and to help residents understand they will need to be on their own in the first several days following a disaster.

"The coordinators of the Shake Out are excited that Long Beach is stepping up and encouraging residents to participate," notes Schipske. "By going on line today, residents can begin receiving the information they and their families need to get prepared."

 "What we do now, before a big earthquake, will determine what our lives will be like after. With earthquakes an inevitable part of Long Beach’s future, we need to take the lead to ensure that disasters do not become catastrophes," adds Schipske.

With a goal of at least 5 million participants, the Shake Out drill will be the largest in U.S. history. To participate, go to www.ShakeOut.org/register and sign up your family, school, business, or organization’s participation in the drill.

Registered participants will receive information on how to plan their drill, connect with other participants, and encourage a dialogue with others about earthquake preparedness. There are many ways to take part, but at the least participants should "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" at 10 A.M. on November 13.

It all begins with registering, which is free and open to everyone. ShakeOut drills will occur in houses, businesses, and public spaces throughout southern California at 10 AM on November 13, 2008.

For more information, visit www.ShakeOut.org and be sure to visit the official Shake Out Blog at greatsocalshakeout.blogspot.com.

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