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Next Thursday, November 13th, Rancho Santa Margarita residents can join millions of other Southern California residents in what is being touted as the Largest Earthquake Drill in U.S. History. The simulation is designed to include local governments, individuals and families, schools, businesses, medical facilities, churches and other organizations.
There are many things that I like about this simulated drill. It has the propensity to get Southern Californians thinking and planning. For many, this happened in October 2007 with the wildfires. But for others of us, the lucky ones who weren’t in immediate danger, and who weren’t forced to evacuate…well…let’s just say another reminder can never hurt.
The Great Southern California Shake Out site has a registration section. I was surprised and a little disappointed to see that very few local south county governments were registered. Saddleback Unified School District was registered, but Capistrano Unified School District was not. Cox Communications, Rancho Santa Margarita’s largest employer, was not listed as being registered, but I confirmed with a Cox Communications employee that the company was in fact participating at a company level. Calls to the City of Rancho Santa Margarita, City of Mission Viejo, and Capo Unified have not yet been returned, but I will amend this post as need if participation status changes. As far I can tell, the only local south county city participating is the City of Laguna Woods. The OCTA - Orange County Transit Authority - is participating. I wonder if we will see OCTA bus drivers pulling over to the right at precisely 10:00 am? ** Update: Capistrano Unified School District is participating **
Another thing I like about this event is that you can be involved at level that suits your ability to participate. If your calendar is full next Thursday, you may only be able spare a brief 45 seconds to Drop, Cover & Hold On! But even that brief involvement is participation. If you have leadership skills and would like to organize a neighborhood emergency plan, the site provides links and recommendations on how to prepare in that way. If you own a business or are a school administrator there is information on how to get involved at that level.
The Orange County register pointed me to this Shake Out promo on YouTube:
Register on the Shake Out website to receive updated information and to find useful fliers, pamphlets and checklists.
Major sponsors of the The Great Southern California are:
- USGS
- National Science Foundation
- CEA
- Time Warner Cable
- The Home Depot
- OES -Governor’s Office of Emergency Services
- State Farm Insurance
I encourage all Rancho Santa Margarita residents to check out The Great Southern California Shake Out at www.shakeout.org and I challenge all families to spend a least a few minutes discussing emergency preparation.
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