USC Participates in Great California ShakeOut
The University of Southern California participated in The Great California ShakeOut, the largest earthquake drill in history, which took place at 10:20 a.m. Thursday.
More than 8.3 million people registered for the drill throughout California and 2.9 million people registered in Los Angeles County alone.
Two-hundred staff members across the university served as Drill Ambassadors to help every staff member, student and faculty member prepare for an earthquake emergency.
Participants practiced how to "Drop! Cover! Hold on!", the recommended action during an earthquake.
A full list of tips for earthquake preparedness can be found in the 2011-2012 SCampus.
University emergency response teams set-up a Department Operations Center (DOC) on campus on Thursday morning. Each team performed in damage assessment, hazardous materials team response, medical treatment area logistics, food and water logistics, and coordination with all academic units and libraries according to the Office of Fire Safety & Emergency Planning at USC.
The next big earthquake is predicted to happen along the San Andreas Fault within the next 30 years of a magnitude of 6.7 or higher, according to Geological Forecast studies.
Mayor Villaraigosa announced Wednesday that Los Angeles is now the largest metropolitan city recognized as tsunami and storm ready by the national weather service through organization, awareness and education.
This is the fourth annual shakeout drill and it will prepare residents on what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
The Southern California Gas Company said being prepared for a big earthquake is key to surviving it. They gave a list of important instructions concerning gas meters such as strapping all water heaters to prevent movement or not turning off the gas meter after an earthquake. More information about gas safety can be found on the Southern California Gas Company website.
