Great California ShakeOut

Watching the devastation caused by huriccanes Michael and Florence we are remionded that Culver City is in earthquake country. What we do now, before a big earthquake, will determine how we survive and how well we recover. With earthquakes an inevitable part of California's future, we must act today to ensure that tomorrow's disasters do not become catastrophes.

Held annually on the third Thursday of October, the ShakeOut International Day of Action is set for Thursday, October 18, 2018 at 10:18 a.m. During the self-led drill, participants practice how to "Drop, Cover, and Hold On." The safe response to an earthquake is to:

Culver City first responders advise residents to:

• Drop where you are, onto your hands and knees.

This position protects you from being knocked down and also allows you to stay low and crawl to shelter if nearby.

• COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand

If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter

If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows)

Stay on your knees; bend over to protect vital organs

• Hold on until shaking stops

Under shelter: hold on to it with one hand; be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts

No shelter: hold on to your head and neck with both arms and hands.

Here's how u can participate in the 14th Annual Community-Wide Disaster Drill:

• At 7:00 p.m. on October 18, Culver City residents have a second opportunity to practice their disaster drills!

Participation is easy:

• 7:00 p.m. Drop, Cover, Hold On.

• Activate your family disaster plan and ensure that everyone is "OK."

• Place your OK sign in a window or area that is visible from the public right-of-way. If you don't have an OK sign, feel free to download and print one or make one yourself.

For more information on the Great California shakeout go online to: https://www.culvercity.org/Home/Components/News/News/2846/722

The Culver City Fire Department will practice activating their earthquake disaster plan. This entails simulating that a large scale earthquake has occurred, conducting internal assessments of each fire station and apparatus, relaying internal damage assessment information to the on duty Battalion Chief and then driving through pre-designated disaster evaluation routes. If you are a CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) member, this year CERT will be conducting their annual exercise on November 3 with the time and location. Visit the CERT website for updates at: http://culvercitycert.org/