At 10:15 a.m. on October 15, 2009, millions of Californians will “Drop, Cover and Hold On” in the Great California ShakeOut, the largest earthquake drill ever! Everyone is encouraged to participate in the drill.
Major earthquakes may happen anywhere you work, live, or travel in California. The ShakeOut is our chance to practice how to protect ourselves and for everyone to become prepared. The goal is to prevent disasters from becoming catastrophes, especially for seniors and people with disabilities..
How to Participate:
Register at www.ShakeOut.org/register to be counted in the ShakeOut drill, get email updates and more.
How to Get Prepared for Earthquakes:
1. Setup a Personal Support Network
If you require assistance to live independently, designate someone to check on you in an emergency. This person will make sure you are okay and will help you to evacuate if necessary, or shelter safely in-place.
2. Assemble some basic Emergency Supplies
– Flashlight (electricity may be out; put the flashlight near your bed)
– Battery Operated Radio (to listen for information about the disaster)
– Bottled Water — Enough to Last for 3 Days (tap water may be contaminated or unavailable)
– Non Perishable or Ready-to-Eat Food — Enough to Last for 3 Days (dried fruit, canned tuna, stew, beans, nuts, crackers, etc., plus a manual can opener)
3. Prescription Medications
Try to always maintain an extra 3-day supply of any prescription medications
4. Have an “Out-of-Area” Contact (and call to advise of your status)
Following a disaster, it will be easier to get connected to an out of state telephone line, versus a local telephone line, given the volume of calls within the local/affected area. Use this out-of-area contact person to relay messages between you and the people who care about you including family members, friends, your personal care assistant and other people who may want to reach you. Let everyone know how to reach this contact person.
The Great California ShakeOut is part of the week-long series of Big Rumble events to recognize the 20th Anniversary of the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake. Take a look at the flier below to get more information about the events and visit the Big Rumble website at http://thebigrumble.org/
Carla Johnson
Access Compliance and Emergency Planning
Mayor’s Office on Disability
401 Van Ness, Room 300
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone 415 554-6785
TTY 415 554-6799
Fax 415 554-6159
