Drop, Cover and Hold On—It’s Time for the Great ShakeOut

Earthquakes can strike without warning—but being prepared can make all the difference. Join the City of Long Beach and millions of people worldwide for the annual Great Shakeout on Thursday, Oct. 16 at 10:16 a.m.

Although our region has recently experienced fires, a tsunami advisory and extreme heat, an earthquake is still our most likely natural disaster. Luckily, the Great Shakeout drill can help you prepare.

Sign up online and whether you’re at home, school or work, practice these three steps to reduce risk of injury during an earthquake.

• DROP where you are (if able to), onto your hands and knees to avoid being knocked over.

• COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand and, if possible, crawl under a sturdy table or desk for shelter.

• HOLD ON until the shaking stops.

Older adults and people with disabilities or limited mobility can also review these Earthquake Safety Accessibility Tips for additional guidance.

While you're at it, this is a great time to make sure moveable items like bookshelves and mirrors are secured to walls or the ceiling, so they do not fall during an earthquake.

The City of Long Beach is also doing its part to stay prepared. Disaster preparedness staff are conducting a citywide test of the Alert Long Beach emergency messaging system. If you’re not already registered, sign up to receive emergency notifications from the City via phone, text or email.

Wherever you are, take a few minutes this Thursday to join people in Long Beach and around the world in the Great Shakeout.

• Stay alert. Sign up for Alert Long Beach to receive emergency notifications from the City via phone, text or email.

• Learn. Residents should learn basic emergency medical procedures, take a CPR class.

• Prepare a go-bag. Residents should have a go-bag next to their beds or an easily accessible location, should the need to quickly evacuate arise. The bag should contain essential items for individuals and their family members (including pets) to be self-sustaining for up to five days.

• Get informed. The City’s webpage at longbeach.gov/emergency serves as a centralized communications and resource hub for community members during emergencies. Residents should also follow the City on social media @LongBeachCity.

• Know your hazards. Review the City’s Hazard Mitigation webpage, which includes information about earthquakes and other hazards that can impact Long Beach, as well the adopted Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan, and visit My Hazards to find out what specific hazards impact your place of work or home.