Los Angeles

ShakeOut: Millions of Californians Sign Up to Drop, Cover and Hold On

Nearly 3.6 million Los Angeles County residents registered for the quake drill

Millions of Californians signed up for Thursday's Great ShakeOut, joining people around the world to drop, cover and hold in a practice run for a major earthquake.

As of Wednesday, nearly 3.6 million Los Angeles County residents registered for the quake drill, along with nearly 830,000 in Orange County. 

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The drill itself was at 10:19 a.m. At that time, participants including students, business employees and government workers were instructed to "drop" to the ground, take "cover" under a desk, table or other sturdy surface and "hold on" for 60 seconds, as if a major earthquake were occurring.

During an actual earthquake, people who are outdoors should find a clear spot away from trees, buildings and power lines, then drop, cover and hold on. People who are driving should pull over to a clear area, stop and stay seated with seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops. When the quake ends, drivers should proceed with caution and avoid bridges or ramps that may have been damaged.

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ShakeOut organizers note that many Californians have not experienced a damaging earthquake, such as young people or people who have recently moved to the state. They also warned that while the San Andreas fault could generate a large-scale earthquakes, up to magnitude-8, "there are over a hundred other active faults in the region that can produce smaller earthquakes" like the Northridge quake.

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According to the USGS, some 2,000 people would die, tens of thousands would be injured and more than $200 billion in damage would result from a magnitude-7.8 or larger quake, which would have 50 times the intensity of the Jan. 17, 1994, Northridge earthquake. Hundreds of aftershocks would follow, a few of them nearly as big as the original event, according to the USGS.

Californians should be prepared to be self-sufficient for 72 hours following an earthquake or other major disaster, officials say. That includes having a first-aid kit, medications, food and enough water for each member of a household to drink one gallon per day for at least 72 hours, according to local and state officials.

Homeowners and renters should also know how to turn off the gas in their house or apartment in case of leaks.

Copyright CNS - City News Service
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