Culver City Observer -

Major earthquakes may happen anywhere you work, live, or travel in California. With 37 million people living and working in California, a major earthquake could cause unprecedented devastation.

What we do now, before a big earthquake, will determine what our lives will be like afterwards. The ShakeOut is our chance to practice together how to protect ourselves, and for everyone to become prepared. The goal is to save lives and prevent disasters from becoming catastrophes.

There are two great opportunities to practice:

At 10:18 a.m. on 10/18, join millions of Californians who want to take quake-safe action when seconds count. In order to act quickly, you must practice what to do – ShakeOut is that opportunity. Drop, Cover, and Hold On.

At 7 p.m. on 10/18, join the Culver City Community and Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Once you have verified that you and your family are “OK”, utilize the City’s “OK” Sign program to let first responders know you are “OK”.

First responders (i.e. fire, police, CERT, CCARES) will be canvassing neighborhoods at 7 p.m. counting “OK” Signs as they practice their emergency plans. Look for your yellow “OK” sign in the mail. If you don’t get one, make your own.

Remember, in the event of a real disaster or emergency, you may have to get creative.

For those of you who have never participated in our City-Wide Disaster Drill with the “OK” sign program, all you need to do is place an “OK” sign in your window or on your door in a location most visible from the public right-of-way to signal that you and your family are “OK”. In the event of a real disaster, if your family was not “OK”, you would post nothing and contact 9-1-1 to let them know of injuries, etc.

Invite friends and family to practice for their safety, too.

If you would like more information on how to participate in the Great California ShakeOut, to participate in Culver City’s “ShakeOut” with the “OK” sign program, to download family disaster plans and disaster supply checklists visit www.culvercity.org/emergencyprep. Additional information can also be found at www.ShakeOut.org.