NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2019
The Great California ShakeOut Drill is October 17 th
Do you know what to do if an earthquake strikes?
 
CAMARILLO, CA — The Ventura County Fire Department wants to remind community members, schools, and businesses to participate in The Great California ShakeOut  at  10:17 a.m.  on  Thursday, October 17, 2019 .
 
Each year, this statewide earthquake drill encourages people to review emergency preparedness plans, refresh disaster supplies, and practice “ Drop, Cover and Hold On ” steps during an earthquake.

  • DROP onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down and allows you to stay low and crawl to a nearby shelter.
  • Take COVER under a sturdy desk or table. Hold onto it firmly and protect your head and neck.
  • HOLD ON. Minimize your movements to a few steps at a nearby safe place. If indoors, stay there until the shaking has stopped and it’s safe to exit.
 
“Earthquakes can strike suddenly, violently, and without warning,” said John McNeil, VCFD Assistant Fire Chief. “When the ground starts shaking, it’s important to know what to do and how to protect yourself. Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake.”
 
California is not immune to damaging earthquakes. The region is home to several active seismic zones, including the San Andreas Fault. Ventura County has several faults capable of producing a magnitude 6 or 7 earthquake. Visit www.vcsd.org/oes to view a local earthquake hazard map. To sign up to receive Ventura County time-sensitive emergency alerts, visit www.vcalert.org or text the word “VCALERT” to 313131.
 
For more earthquake safety and preparedness tips or to register to participate in The Great California ShakeOut, visit  ShakeOut.org . Once registered, participants will receive information on how to plan their drill and become better prepared for earthquakes and other disasters.
 
For more information on VCFD’s participation in the program, please contact the Public Information Office at (805) 389- 9769 or piofire@ventura.org .