The ShakeOut Drill Broadcast Transcript

Below is a transcript of the drill broadcast that will play on various media outlets at 10:15 am on Thursday, October 15, 2009.

Great California ShakeOut
Drill Broadcast Text

(Begin broadcast at 10:14:45)

"This is the Great California ShakeOut. You are about to join millions of Californians in the largest earthquake drill in U.S. history. Practice now so you can protect yourself, without hesitation, during a real earthquake.

(Cue: Rumbling Sounds Begin)

“This is an earthquake drill. Right now, DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON. Again, this is an earthquake drill. This is not a real earthquake.

“Unless you are driving, DROP to the ground immediately; take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table; HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops. If you can’t get under sturdy furniture, stay low and protect your head and neck with your arms. If you are indoors, stay indoors. If you are outdoors, stay outdoors. Injuries are more likely when you try to move around.

Right now, imagine what would be happening around you during a major earthquake, with strong shaking that could last from a few seconds, up to two minutes. You would be experiencing sudden and intense back and forth motions of up to six feet per second. The floor or the ground would jerk sideways out from under you; that’s why you must DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON. Every unsecured object around you could topple, fall, or become airborne, potentially causing serious injury. Look around and imagine: What would fall on you or others? What would be damaged?

"This is an earthquake drill. If you are in a high-rise or a public building: DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON. Do not use elevators.

"If you are outdoors: Move to a clear area away from wires, buildings, and anything else that could fall and hurt you, but only if you can safely do so. If there is something sturdy to get under, DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON. Otherwise, sit on the ground until the shaking is over.

"If you are in a stadium or theater: DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON. Protect your head and neck with your arms. Don’t try to leave until the shaking is over.

(Cue: Rumbling Sounds Begin to Recede just under 90 Seconds)

"If you are in bed, stay there and hold on; protect your head with a pillow.

"If you are driving, don't do anything now. During an actual earthquake, coast over to the side of the road, stop, and set the parking brake. Avoid bridges and overhead hazards. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking is over.

(Cue: Rumbling Sounds End during "Driving" text)

“It’s been two minutes, and the shaking is over; but after a real earthquake, there will be aftershocks. What can you do now, before a real earthquake, so that you can reduce your losses and recover as quickly as possible? If you live along the coast, what do you need to know, and do, to project yourself from a possible tsunami? Visit ShakeOut.org learn more about how to prepare, protect, and recover. You can also share stories or photos of your ShakeOut drill.

"This concludes our earthquake drill. Thank you for participating in the Great California ShakeOut, the largest earthquake drill in U.S. history."