PRESS RELEASE
City of Long Beach
Public Information Office
411 W. Ocean Blvd,
Long Beach, CA 90802
www.longbeach.gov
10/9/2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEPress Release # 100920
Subject:
City Encourages Residents to Participate in the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill
Contact:
Reginald Harrison
Director, Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications
(562) 570-9450
Reginald.Harrison@longbeach.gov
Director, Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications
(562) 570-9450
Reginald.Harrison@longbeach.gov
Long Beach, CA -The City of Long Beach is encouraging all residents, businesses, schools and visitors to take part in this year’s “Great ShakeOut” earthquake drill at 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15., to practice what to do in the event of a major earthquake.
“The pandemic, along with recent earthquakes and wildfires in Southern California, have underscored the importance of being prepared in the event of an emergency,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “I encourage everyone to participate in the Great ShakeOut to ensure that you and your families have a plan and are ready in case of an earthquake.”
The recent 4.5 earthquake centered in the City of San Gabriel serves as a reminder that earthquake planning and preparedness is a necessity for all Southern California residents.
This year brings the additional element of participating in the drill while keeping COVID-19 considerations in mind. The City supports participation, especially during this time, as plans and evacuation drills can be modified to follow current CDC guidelines.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends the following actions during an earthquake:
In addition to participating in the earthquake drill, residents are encouraged to prepare to be self-sufficient for at least five days in the event of a large-scale incident. Residents should
The Great ShakeOut is an international earthquake drill that offers the public an opportunity to practice earthquake readiness and update emergency plans to help be prepared in the event of seismic activity.
For the latest information on COVID-19, with details on all that the City of Long Beach is doing to keep its residents safe, visit longbeach.gov/COVID19 and follow @LongBeachCity on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
“The pandemic, along with recent earthquakes and wildfires in Southern California, have underscored the importance of being prepared in the event of an emergency,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “I encourage everyone to participate in the Great ShakeOut to ensure that you and your families have a plan and are ready in case of an earthquake.”
The recent 4.5 earthquake centered in the City of San Gabriel serves as a reminder that earthquake planning and preparedness is a necessity for all Southern California residents.
This year brings the additional element of participating in the drill while keeping COVID-19 considerations in mind. The City supports participation, especially during this time, as plans and evacuation drills can be modified to follow current CDC guidelines.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends the following actions during an earthquake:
- DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down.
- COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, and if able, crawl underneath it for shelter.
- HOLD ON until the shaking stops.
In addition to participating in the earthquake drill, residents are encouraged to prepare to be self-sufficient for at least five days in the event of a large-scale incident. Residents should
- Create an emergency plan for their home and family.
- Put together an emergency supply kit, including food, water and tools.
- Make sure that all family members know how to contact one another.
The Great ShakeOut is an international earthquake drill that offers the public an opportunity to practice earthquake readiness and update emergency plans to help be prepared in the event of seismic activity.
For the latest information on COVID-19, with details on all that the City of Long Beach is doing to keep its residents safe, visit longbeach.gov/COVID19 and follow @LongBeachCity on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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