LOS ANGELES, October 13, 2020 — The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region announced today that it is taking part in the annual Great ShakeOut at 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15. Although practicing "Drop, Cover and Hold” might look different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s still extremely important for Angelenos to know and understand what to do. There is 75 percent probability of one or more magnitude 7.0 or greater earthquakes striking Southern California, based on a 30-year period, beginning in 2014, noted the California Earthquake Authority.

Wherever you find yourself on Thursday morning – do not stand in a doorway. Join the movement; find a table or sturdy furniture item; and take cover.

“Earthquakes don’t know when you are at work or school, you might be home when one hits,” said Guillermo Sanchez, Interim Disaster Program Officer for the Red Cross in Los Angeles Region. “We hope that families who may be spending a little more time at home due to the pandemic can use this time to practice so you and your loved ones can react quickly if an earthquake occurs.”

Everyone in Los Angeles should take part in the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill this Thursday, joining more than 5.9 million Californians (and counting) who will practice earthquake safety this year. Take part in the Great ShakeOut by sharing a photo of yourself doing your best "Drop, Cover and Hold On.” Use the hashtag #ShakeOut and tag @RedCrossLA for a chance to be featured on our channels.

EARTHQUAKE SAFETY Earthquakes strike suddenly, without warning and can occur at any time of the year, day or night. During an earthquake, do not try to move around. Drop, cover and hold on. Try to protect your head and torso. If you are sitting at a desk or table, get under it. Otherwise drop wherever you are.

• If you are in bed, stay there, curl up and hold on. Protect your head with a pillow.
• If you are inside, stay indoors until the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to exit. When it is, use stairs rather than the elevator in case there are aftershocks, power outages or other damage.
• If you are outside, find a clear spot (away from buildings, power lines, trees, streetlights) and drop to the ground. Stay there until the shaking stops.
• If you are in a vehicle, pull over to a clear location and stop. Avoid bridges, overpasses and power lines if possible. Stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops. Then, drive carefully, avoiding bridges and ramps that may have been damaged.If you are in a mountainous area or near unstable slopes or cliffs, be alert for falling rocks and other debris. Landslides are often triggered by earthquakes.

Download the free Red Cross First Aid App for instant access to expert first aid advice right at your fingertips. Use the free app Emergency for tips on what to do before during and after an earthquake and other disasters. Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

DISASTERS DURING A PANDEMIC 

Preparing for emergencies is a little different this year, but the basic action steps remain the same for everyone. Disasters can force people to leave their homes, even in areas under stay-at-home mandates. By having an emergency plan your family can react quickly if a disaster strikes.

• Some emergency kit supplies may be hard to get due to the pandemic, and availability may worsen in a disaster, so start gathering supplies now.
• Ask friends or relatives outside your area if you would be able to stay with them.
• Check and see if they have any COVID-19 symptoms or have people in their home at higher risk for serious illness. If they do, make other arrangements.
• Check with hotels, motels and campgrounds to see if they are open and if pets are allowed.
• Due to the pandemic, stay current on advice and restrictions from your state and local public health authorities as it may affect your actions, available resources and shelter facilities.
• Additional resources for preparing during the COVID-19 pandemic are available at redcross.org/coronavirus.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/la or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossLA or @CruzRojaLA.