Earthquake Preparedness/The Great California ShakeOut - October 21, 2021
Despite the current pandemic, it is important to remember that California remains earthquake country. On average, Southern California experiences over 10,000 earthquakes per year. While most are quite small, some earthquakes can be large and damaging. UC San Diego students, faculty and staff are encouraged to participate in the Great California Shakeout Earthquake Drill on October 21, 2021. This is a great event to practice what to do during an earthquake. The goal of the ShakeOut is to prepare all Californians to “Drop, Cover and Hold On” in the event of an earthquake. The drill is scheduled to begin at approximately 10:21 am, and with more than 5 million registered participants, the Great California ShakeOut is the biggest earthquake drill in the nation. Learn here what experts recommend to survive an earthquake. Log your activities by visiting UC San Diego’s Great California ShakeOut webpage.
If an earthquake occurs, Drop, Cover and Hold On until the shaking stops, then proceed outside to a safe location. Do not run outside. Do not stand in a doorway. Avoid elevators and use the nearest door with an EXIT sign to leave the building. Follow your department’s Emergency Action Plan (EAP) or develop one using available resources. Proceed to your designated assembly area, report for a headcount, and stay in the area while practicing social distancing until you receive direction from emergency responders or authorized UC San Diego staff.
During the ShakeOut, UC San Diego will send a Triton Alert emergency notification email message to all ucsd.edu accounts. Students, faculty and staff will also receive test text messages if they have provided a cell phone number for this method of delivery. Users can update their emergency contact information by going to this site. We will also send the message via Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Follow us at @UCSDTritonAlert.
Every UC San Diego department is required to have an EAP, which provides detailed information about the evacuation procedures for individual buildings. Take the time to familiarize yourself with your EAP prior to an emergency. If you are not familiar with your EAP, ask your supervisor or advisor for more information. A summary of the University’s emergency response procedures is also available. For more information about how to prepare for and survive an earthquake, visit: the Earthquake Country Alliance website and UC San Diego’s Emergency Guide.
