On Thursday, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake will ravage Southern California and send 22 million people into a state of emergency.
Well, sorta.
The Earthquake Country Alliance has organized the Great Southern California ShakeOut, a week of special events featuring a massive earthquake drill at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008.
The ShakeOut drill centers on the ShakeOut Earthquake Scenario, a realistic portrayal of what could happen in a major earthquake on the southern end of the San Andreas Fault. Created by more than 300 experts, the scenario outlines a hypothetical 7.8 magnitude earthquake originating near the Salton Sea, which would have the potential to devastate the region.
According to ShakeOut.org, residents should:
"Secure your space by strapping top-heavy furniture, water heaters, and other items to walls or tabletops. Strengthen your buildings walls and foundation if necessary. Of course, it is important to have resources to protect yourself and others should assistance be slow in arriving. Three to 14 days worth of water for each person, non-perishable food, and a fire extinguisher, among other supplies, can be valuable resources to have stored and ready for such a disaster."
The group is hoping for at least 5 million participants, which would make the ShakeOut drill the largest in U.S. history.
To participate, visit www.ShakeOut.org/register. Registered participants will receive information on how to plan their drill, connect with other participants and encourage a dialogue with others about earthquake preparedness.
For more information, visit www.ShakeOut.org and be sure to visit the official ShakeOut Blog at greatsocalshakeout.blogspot.com.
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