Earthquake Drill Gets Coachella Valley Residents Ready For "Big One."

By Jason Sloss, News Channel 3 Anchor
POSTED: 5:26 pm PDT October 20, 2011

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PrintEmailUPDATED: 5:55 pm PDT October 20, 2011
COACHELLA -- The Great California ShakeOut is once again warning people about the importance of having a plan and being ready for a major earthquake -- considered long overdue in the Southland.
First Steps Prenatal Care in Coachella was one valley business participating in Thursday's drill.
Employees passed out information and quake kits before the mock quake hit at 10:20 a.m. -- prompting everyone to "drop, cover and hold on."
"When we have disasters, we pull together. Why not just be prepared? Why not start now and be prepared?" said Alicia Hollins, a ShakeOut coordinator in the valley.
A major disaster can strike at any time. Fortunately, the Southland's been relatively quiet since the Northridge quake in 1994 that killed 72 people.
"I remember that earthquake. It was pretty scary," said Thermal resident Mary Earhart. "You think it's kind of fun at first, and then you think if things keep shaking, stuff is going to start falling down. Where do you go for shelter? What do you do if the power goes out?"
People who participated in the drill said they're grateful for the opportunity to learn and put a plan together, in case of an emergency.
"It's good to know what to do. It's good to know what to have to be prepared, because we're not always prepared," said Coachella resident Karen Vigil.
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