This week is the 25^th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake. Many people who experienced this 6.9 magnitude quake will recall the images of the partially collapsed Bay Bridge and Nimitz Freeway, as well as portions of the Marina District in San Francisco on fire. In order to help prepare for another significant quake in the future, an annual drill called “The Great California Shakeout” will take place on Thursday, October 16^th at 10:16 AM. On the fourth Thursday of every October, Californians have an opportunity to practice this annual “drop, cover and hold on” drill. All of the Castro Valley schools will participate as well as businesses and other agencies.

There are many “Do’s and Don’ts” in an earthquake, so it’s good to practice the right things to do during such a drill. Do not run outside, do not stand in a doorway, and do not get into the “triangle of life” (getting next to a table or furniture instead of underneath it in the event of a building collapse)! The correct three things to do are:

1. Drop to the floor on all fours.
2. Take cover under a table or desk or sturdy piece of furniture in the room you’re in. Don’t run into another room to get under furniture, but get closest to the inside corner of the room you’re in and cover the back of your neck and head with your hands and arms.
3. Hold onto the table or desk until the earthquake shaking stops.

This is a great drill for the majority of able-bodied people. What about people with mobility issues or people who are in wheelchairs or who are bed-ridden? If you use a wheelchair, in the event of an earthquake or drill, stay in your wheelchair and try to move away from windows or items that can fall down on you. Lock the wheels on the wheelchair and cover your head with your arms, a pillow, a book, etc. Do not try to transfer from your wheelchair until the shaking stops. If you are unable to drop to the floor due to mobility issues, move away from windows or items that can fall down on you, get down as low to the floor as possible, and protect your head and neck.

Now is the time to prepare for earthquakes by storing emergency supplies and kits, including kits for pets, preparing family communication plans, as well as participating in earthquake drills like the Great California Shakeout!

For more information on the Great Shakeout Drill and other resources, please see:

http://www.shakeout.org/california/index.html

http://www.dropcoverholdon.org/

en español: Aga’chase! Cu’brase! Aga’rrase! http://www.dropcoverholdon.org/espanol/

http://www.earthquakecountry.org/downloads/ShakeOut_Earthquake_Guide_Disabilities_AFN.pdf

http://www.community.fema.gov/connect.ti/AmericasPrepareathon/view?objectId=3229456

Map of the Hayward Fault near Castro Valley: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/regional/nca/haywardfault/tiled/gif/km39.html