A message from http://ShakeOut.org/california

“On Thursday morning, October 17, millions of Californians will “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” in The Great California ShakeOut, the state’s largest earthquake drill ever! All K-12 schools and districts are encouraged to participate in the drill (or plan a more extensive exercise). Major earthquakes may happen anywhere you live, work, or travel.

The ShakeOut is our chance to practice how to protect ourselves, and for everyone to become prepared. The goal is to prevent a major earthquake from becoming a catastrophe for our school and community.

Why is a “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” drill important? To respond quickly you must practice often. You may only have seconds to protect yourself in an earthquake before strong shaking knocks you down, or something falls on you.

Millions of people worldwide have participated in the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills since 2008. The Great California ShakeOut is held on the third Thursday of October each year.”