Disaster preparedness

Great ShakeOut earthquake drill comes to Berkeley on Oct. 20

"Learning and practicing how to 'drop, cover, and hold on' is a brief commitment that can save your life," the city said this week.

The city of Berkeley invites community members to participate in the Great ShakeOut annual earthquake drill Oct. 20, 2022, at 10:20 a.m. (file photo). Jeremy Huang / Unsplash

Berkeley's annual five-minute earthquake drill is right around the corner, and the city has asked community members to mark their calendars and register for the Oct. 20 event.

The event, which starts at 10:20 a.m., lets people "practice the three things that everyone should do during an earthquake": drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy desk or table, and hold onto it until the shaking stops.

"Learning and practicing how to 'drop, cover, and hold on' is a brief commitment that can save your life," the city said in an announcement Thursday. "Acting now prepares Berkeleyans for the immediate impact of shaking. Being safe and prepared also helps everyone bounce back quickly from an earthquake's effects."

In its announcement, the city also provided earthquake drill instructions for people who use a wheelchair or walker, and advises them to lock the wheels, cover their tucked head with their arms and hands, and hold onto the mobility device until the shaking ends.

The city asks people who would like to participate in the drill, or learn more about it, to register on the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill website. (Select "City of Berkeley" as the "Parent Organization.")

More resources

Check out the state's Earthquake Warning California website: "Earthquake early warning systems can alert you before shaking starts, giving you extra time to take cover."
Check your disaster supply kits, review evacuation plans, and practice notifying close friends and family about your status.
Activate social media: This may be important if phone lines are down. Connect with friends and family online and post your status so others know whether you're all right or may need help.

The city also encourages community members in Berkeley to share photos of their ShakeOut earthquake drill with @CityofBerkeley for a possible social media mention on Twitter.