A trio of small earthquakes near Big Bear one recent weekend served as a reminder to Inland Empire residents: Be prepared.

For the state, and the Cal State San Bernardino campus community, the annual international Great ShakeOut earthquake preparedness event and drill on Thursday, Oct. 16, is part of that effort to remind everyone to prepare and be ready — because, as geologists and public safety officials say, it’s not if, but when.

“We live in the heart of earthquake country, where the San Andreas and San Jacinto faults shape our landscape,” said Tandis Bidgoli, CSUSB associate professor of geological sciences, who studies active faults. “Preparedness isn’t optional, it’s essential. The Great ShakeOut empowers our San Bernardino community to practice safety, build resilience and protect what matters most.”

The big event of the day is the drill that takes place at 10:16 a.m. (local time) on Oct. 16. CSUSB will join more than 23 million people in what is billed as the world’s largest earthquake drill. During the self-led drill, participants practice how to “Drop, Cover and Hold On.”

The drill will also include testing of the university’s emergency communication system that includes text messages, email alerts, and website and social media announcements.

Flyers for the San Andreas Hike (at left) and the Great ShakeOut safety fair

Also, for the campus community, CSUSB Geology will host The Great ShakeOut! Earthquake Safety & Preparation event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 16 on the walkway between the Biological and Chemical Sciences buildings. The free event will include giveaways and interactive activities such as identifying the closest fault near your home, and tips for building your own emergency preparedness kit. For more information contact Claire Todd, department chair, at claire.todd@csusb.edu.

Prior to the drill, on Tuesday, Oct. 14, the Department of Geology will lead a hike through the CSUSB nature area to the San Andreas Fault. That will take place from 10 a.m. to noon. The hike will begin at the Science Success Center (TO-145). Wear sturdy walking shoes and sun protection, and bring a full bottle of water. Register online to participate.

During the ShakeOut drill — and during a real earthquake — the steps endorsed by emergency officials and first responders are to: 

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.
Drop-cover-hold graphic

Emergency officials created the ShakeOut drill, which began in California in 2008, to encourage people and organizations to be prepared in order to survive and recover when the next big earthquake happens.

The aim of the drill at CSUSB is to increase awareness among students, faculty, staff and others of steps to take before, during and after an earthquake, and to be aware and prepare for any disaster.

The earthquake drill also serves as a reminder for individuals to review and update their emergency preparedness plans and supplies, and to secure any furnishings, fixtures and items at home and other locations to prevent damage and injuries.

Officials estimate that an earthquake of a severe magnitude will sever local access to water, electricity, gas, fiber-optics, telecommunications, roads and railways, and that there will be extensive damage throughout the region.

For more information, visit the Great ShakeOut website.