Millions of Californians, including students, government employees and residents throughout Los Angeles County, participated Thursday in the annual Great California ShakeOut, practicing how to protect themselves during an earthquake and reviewing emergency preparedness procedures.
The statewide drill took place at 10:15 a.m. Thursday, when participants were encouraged to “Drop, Cover and Hold On” for at least 60 seconds, simulating their response to a major earthquake.
More than 10 million Californians were expected to participate in this year’s drill, according to the American Red Cross.
“We live in earthquake countries here in California, and today is a chance for all of us to reinforce the importance of that earthquake preparedness and readiness,” said Caroline Thomas Jacobs, director of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.
One of Southern California’s major ShakeOut events took place at John C. Fremont High School, 7676 San Pedro St., where the Los Angeles Unified School District, Earthquake Country Alliance and government and earthquake science organizations conducted a campuswide earthquake drill and evacuation exercise.
A test of the ShakeAlert earthquake early warning system initiated an earthquake drill involving students and teachers, followed by a campuswide evacuation exercise.
The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region also participated in the event, joining scientists, emergency management officials, educators and preparedness organizations to demonstrate earthquake safety techniques.
“No one can stop an earthquake, but everyone can take steps to be ready for one,” said Amanda Morita, regional disaster officer for the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region. “At the Red Cross, we work every day to help communities prepare for the worst before it happens. The Great ShakeOut gives people an opportunity to turn awareness into action by practicing simple skills that can help protect lives when seconds matter most. The more we prepare today, the more resilient our communities will be tomorrow.”
Elsewhere in Los Angeles County, West Hollywood participated in the statewide drill at 10:15 a.m., encouraging residents, businesses, schools and community organizations to practice earthquake safety procedures.
City officials emphasized that the annual exercise provided an opportunity for people to prepare for earthquakes before an actual emergency occurs.
Los Angeles Valley College conducted a campuswide drill from 10:15 to 10:30 a.m., with employees and students practicing the recommended protective actions during a 60-second earthquake exercise.
At Los Angeles Mission College, campus fire alarms activated at 10:15 a.m., prompting students, faculty and staff to drop, cover and hold on. Participants then evacuated buildings, with facilities personnel and sheriff’s deputies conducting building sweeps before re-entry.
Long Beach City College conducted drills at both its Liberal Arts and Trades, Technology and Community Learning campuses, requiring students, employees and visitors to practice earthquake safety procedures before evacuating buildings to designated assembly areas.
Metrolink also participated in the Great California ShakeOut at 10:15 a.m. Thursday, activating emergency protocols and testing technology designed to automatically slow or stop trains during earthquakes.
The agency’s earthquake early warning system integrates the U.S. Geological Survey’s ShakeAlert technology with Metrolink’s Positive Train Control system. The technology was introduced across Metrolink-owned and -operated tracks in 2023.
During the drill, participating trains slowed for several minutes to simulate a response to seismic activity. The agency had anticipated minimal delays across its six-county rail network.
The Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs also encouraged participation in the statewide drill, which could be conducted at homes, workplaces, schools and other locations.
The Great California ShakeOut is held annually on the third Thursday of October as part of International ShakeOut Day, with millions of people around the world participating in earthquake preparedness exercises.
Emergency officials recommend that people immediately drop to their hands and knees when shaking begins, cover their heads and necks and take shelter beneath sturdy furniture when possible.
Those unable to reach a table or desk should move away from windows and other hazards, protect their heads and necks and remain in place until the shaking stops.
Residents are also encouraged to maintain emergency supplies, including drinking water, nonperishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries and first-aid materials, and to develop plans for communicating with family members if an earthquake disrupts telephone service or transportation.
California has experienced devastating earthquakes, including the magnitude-6.7 Northridge earthquake in 1994 and the magnitude-6.9 Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989.
Scientists have warned that a major earthquake along the San Andreas Fault remains a significant threat to Southern California, underscoring the importance of preparing homes, workplaces and schools for potentially damaging shaking.
The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services also organized a statewide ShakeOut tour this week, including a Wednesday stop at UCLA featuring an earthquake simulator and preparedness information.