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Earthquake experts encourage citizens to participate in annual preparedness event
It is anticipated that more than 10.5 million Californians will participate in ShakeOut earthquake drills on Oct. 20.

Earthquake experts encourage citizens to participate in annual preparedness event

Mark Benthien of the Southern California Earthquake Center at USC Dornsife explains why everyone should participate in the Great ShakeOut event on Oct. 20.
ByDarrin S. Joy October 19, 2016

Founded as a Science & Technology Center in 1991, the Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC) at USC Dornsife coordinates fundamental research on earthquake processes using Southern California as its principal natural laboratory. The center, which emphasizes the importance of earthquake preparedness, annually supports and participates in the Great ShakeOut.

Mark Benthien, program director for SCEC, answered questions about the event and why people should take part.

What will participants gain from the event?

Everyone, everywhere, should know how to protect themselves during earthquakes, whether they live in, work in or travel to an area where earthquakes are common. Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills are annual opportunities to learn and practice earthquake safety with millions of people worldwide. The goal of ShakeOut is to encourage people and organizations to be prepared to survive and to recover quickly when the next big earthquake happens.

How big is this year’s Great ShakeOut event?

We’re anticipating more than 10.5 million Californians and more than 20 million people worldwide to participate in ShakeOut earthquake drills on Thursday, International ShakeOut Day. Most people will participate at 10:20 a.m. local time. (That’s “10:20 on 10/20.”) Other drills year round bring the 2016 total to more than 53 million participants in earthquake drills.

Who can participate in the Great ShakeOut?

ShakeOut began in Southern California in 2008. Since then, ShakeOut has grown to include participation across the United States and many other countries. Each year, ShakeOut participants in schools, businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, neighborhoods, organizations, and households all across the world practice “Drop, Cover and Hold On” and other aspects of their emergency plans. Participation is free and may take only a few minutes, depending on drill plans.

To learn more and register to participate in the Great ShakeOut, visit ShakeOut.org.

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