US to hold largest earthquake drill in history

Damage caused by the 1994 Northridge quake

Coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake that killed 63 people and caused nearly $6 billion worth of damage, the state of California is set to hold the largest earthquake disaster drill in US history.

Millions of Californians have signed up to participate in the drill, which will include homes, schools and business "drop, cover and hold up" during a simulated earthquake. Meanwhile, emergency departments and hospitals will hold more elaborate drills simulating search-and-rescue missions and treating quake victims.

The three-minute "drop, cover and hold on" exercise currently represents the best scientific advice to date for surviving a major quake inside a building. Instead of rushing to a doorway, as is the most commonly held safety tip, experts say to get under something sturdy such as a desk, a table, a large piece of furniture and hang on to it as it bounces around. Most modern buildings aren't in danger of collapsing, but people are generally hurt by things falling during a quake such as glass, pictures or other assorted items.

According to the AP, over 6.7 million people are pledged to take part, a 1.2 million increase on last year's drill which saw people in Southern California "duck and cover" whilst firefighters practised medical triage on volunteers, including senior citizens from Vallecito Mobile Home Park in Ventura County. The drills have become annual events due to the state being the most seismically active in the country.

The drill will start tomorrow at 10:15 am and has been dubbed in certain circles as "The Great California Shakeout".

Experts from the US Geological Survey have said there is a 46 percent chance that the state will be hit by a 7.5 or larger earthquake in the next 30 years. The chance that the earthquake is only a 6.7 magnitude quake is 99.7 percent.

The last major earthquake in California was the 1994 Northridge disaster, which saw a 6.7 magnitude earthquake cause massive damage throughout Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. The damage, including the collapse of the Golden State Freeway, amounted to over $20 billion.

The drill is sponsored by the Earthquake Country Alliance, made of up USGS, state Emergency Management Agency, American Red Cross and others.

http://www.shakeout.org/

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