Press release from the Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services:

Individuals and communities throughout Humboldt County, and beyond, are set to participate in the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill tomorrow.

Held annually on the third Thursday of October, the International ShakeOut Day is Thursday, October 20, 2022, at 10:20 a.m. During the self-led drill, participants practice how to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”. 

As part of this drill, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) will also be conducting a test of Humboldt Alert, the county’s emergency notification system. Additionally, for those who have the California MyShake App downloaded on their smartphones, the state will be testing the Earthquake Early Warning System with an alert as part of this drill.

“A large, devastating earthquake can occur at any time, without prior notice in Humboldt County.” Sheriff’s OES Manager Ryan Derby said. “The Great ShakeOut drill reminds us of the importance of preparing and practicing for an emergency, because when it’s the real thing- every second matters.” 

Endorsed by emergency officials and first responders, the safe response to an earthquake is to: 

If Possible

DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down by shaking and reduces your chance 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.

Or Adapt to Your Situation:

If you have difficulty getting onto the ground, or cannot get back up again without help, then follow these recommendations:

  • If you are in a recliner or bed: Cover your head and neck with your arms or a pillow until the shaking stops.
  • 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.

The ShakeOut drill is free and open-to-the-public, and participants include individuals, schools, businesses, local and state government agencies, and many other groups. To date, over 19.4 million people are registered to participate in this event worldwide.

Learn more about local emergency preparedness at humboldtsheriff.org/oes.