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ShakeOut Media Advisory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 23, 2009
Contact: Susan Garcia, USGS, (650) 329-4668

More than a half million Bay Area residents signed up for the Great California ShakeOut , but as the Loma Prieta 20th anniversary approaches, more preparation needed

Statewide earthquake drill is at 10:15 a.m., on Oct. 15; five million participants statewide

SAN FRANCISCO – As the Bay Area looks toward the 20th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake – a quake that shook much of the Bay area and interrupted the 1989 World Series – those organizing the largest earthquake drill in U. S. history would like to see even more Bay Area residents signed up for the drill.

“We are pleased that we have more than a half million people signed up for the drill. But we strongly encourage all 7 million Bay Area residents to participate in the drill.” said Tom Brocher, a senior seismologist at the U.S. Geological Survey, whose organization is part of the Earthquake Country Alliance (ECA), which is leading the Great California ShakeOut. California’s first statewide earthquake drill is at 10:15 a.m. on Oct.15.

ECA leaders strongly encourage all California residents and organizations to:

  • prepare for earthquakes;
  • practice how to protect against earthquake injury (the purpose of the ShakeOut on Oct. 15!);
  • learn how to recover quickly by safeguarding property and finances in advance.

With three weeks until the 2009 ShakeOut, more than 5 million people–in businesses, government offices, neighborhoods, schools, and as individuals–have been registered at www.ShakeOut.org. Last year, 5.4 million people participated in the Great Southern California ShakeOut. The drill is now statewide, and will be an annual opportunity to improve preparedness and practice protective actions.

“We think we can easily surpass last year’s numbers, but only if people, schools, businesses and organizations register on the ShakeOut website,” said Mark Benthien, executive director of the Earthquake Country Alliance and director for communications of SCEC. “Registering allows us to know what people are planning for their drills and how many people are involved. We can also send them updates and preparedness information.”

“September is National Preparedness Month and is a time for individuals and families to prepare for all potential hazards, including earthquakes. In California, Preparedness Month will be followed with an earthquake drill in October to test our readiness–it’s called the Great California ShakeOut,” added Matthew Bettenhausen, California Emergency Management Agency Acting Secretary. “So act now to secure contents in your home or office so they won’t fall, organize your emergency supplies, and update your family emergency plan. Then on October 15 practice Drop, Cover and Hold On.”

Drop, Cover and Hold On is the recommended procedure in an earthquake. People should quickly get under a heavy table or desk to avoid being hit by falling objects–or get on the ground next to an interior wall and cover your head and neck with your arms. People can learn what to do, no matter where they are when the earthquake strikes, at www.dropcoverholdon.org. Regional information, such as details about earthquake hazards, lists of those who are participating, and much more can be accessed using a clickable California map on www.ShakeOut.org.

All areas of California have experienced earthquakes in the past, and there are hundreds of faults throughout the state that can produce large earthquakes.

The Bay Area has at least eight faults capable of producing earthquakes of magnitude 6.7 or larger. There is a 63% probability that at least one earthquake of magnitude 6.7 or greater will occur on a known or unknown fault within 30 years or before 2032. In the Bay Area, the Hayward-Rodgers Creek Fault has the highest probability (31%) and is the most likely source of producing a magnitude 6.7 or larger earthquake over the next 30 years. Earthquake of this size can be deadly and destructive as was shown by the 1989 magnitude 6.9 Loma Prieta and the 1994 magnitude 6.7 Northridge earthquakes.

This is a good time, as well, for people to review their financial preparation. Everyone should have cash on hand and copies of account numbers and insurance policies handy. “Many people don’t realize that a general homeowners or renters policy does not cover earthquake damage,” said Glenn Pomeroy, CEO of the California Earthquake Authority, which is part of the ECA. “People should call their own insurance agent, or go to the CEA Web site (www.earthquakeauthority.com), to view a list of participating insurance companies who sell earthquake insurance. The time to think about these preparations is now, not after the next big earthquake when it may be too late.”

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INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES

Interviews with Earthquake Country Alliance leaders throughout the state can be arranged by contacting Susan Garcia, U.S. Geological Survey, (650) 329-4668.

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The Earthquake Country Alliance unites leaders in government, disaster response, science, business, media, education, and local communities to foster a culture of earthquake and tsunami readiness in California.

Partners organizing the ShakeOut include the California Emergency Management Agency, Earthquake Country Alliance, California Department of Education, Southern California Earthquake Center, United States Geological Survey, California Earthquake Authority, American Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Agency, State Farm Insurance, and others.










































































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