Practice Earthquake Safety on October 17

The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office of Emergency Services (OES) encourages the community to practice earthquake safety by participating in International ShakeOut Day.

ShakeOut is the largest earthquake drill in the world. On Oct. 17 at 10:17 a.m., millions of people across the U.S. and around the globe will practice earthquake safety at home, work, or school by practicing the recommended safety actions to "drop, cover, and hold on."

In most earthquakes, you can reduce the chance of injury if you:

• DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down and reduces your chances of being hit by falling or flying objects.
• COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath for shelter. If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall. Stay on your knees; bend over to protect vital organs.
• HOLD ON until the shaking stops. Under shelter: hold on to it with one hand; be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts. No shelter: hold on to your head and neck with both arms and hands.
• If you use a cane: DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON or sit on a chair, bed, etc. and cover your head and neck with both hands. Keep your cane near you so it can be used when the shaking stops.
• If you use a walker or wheelchair: LOCK your wheels (if applicable). If using a walker carefully get as low as possible. Bend over and COVER your head/neck with your arms, a book, or a pillow. Then HOLD ON until the shaking stops.

If you chose to participate in ShakeOut, make sure to register yourself or your organization to be counted among the millions participating at ShakeOut.org/register.

Be Prepared

It is important for individuals, families, neighborhoods, businesses and government officials to work together to prepare and reduce the devastating impacts of earthquakes. Have a conversation with your loved ones today to discuss how you can take action to prepare.

To learn why California's North Coast is the shakiest place in the lower 48 states and for tips on how to prepare for, survive and recover from earthquakes and tsunamis, check out the Redwood Coast Tsunami Work Group 's latest edition of Living on Shaky Ground. For more earthquake preparedness tips and resources, please visit ready.gov/earthquakes.

Sign Up for Humboldt Alert

During the ShakeOut drill, Humboldt County OES will be conducting a test of Humboldt Alert, the county's emergency notification system. Residents are encouraged to sign up for alerts ahead of this test at humboldtgov.org/alerts.

ShakeOut Volunteer Signup

On Oct. 17, Humboldt County OES is partnering with local, state, and federal agencies to conduct a training exercise simulating real-life communication scenarios for a large earthquake. Volunteers are needed for this preparedness drill. You can participate as an unaffiliated radio operator, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) or Southern Humboldt Emergency Preparedness Team (SHEPT) member. To volunteer, please complete the ShakeOut Volunteer Signup form.

For more information and resources how to prepare for an emergency, please visit humboldtgov.org/prepare, follow @HumCoOES on Facebook and X or call 707-268-2500.

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