The moment the earth starts shaking, what is your first move?

Cal State San Bernardino will join more than 23 million people worldwide at 10:15 a.m. (local time) Thursday, Oct. 15, for the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill as a reminder that the first move for many is to “Drop, Cover and Hold On.” 

For the state, and the Cal State San Bernardino campus community, the annual international Great ShakeOut earthquake preparedness event and drill 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.

“It has been 300 years since the southernmost portion of the San Andreas Fault slipped in a major earthquake, and geologic records of prehistoric earthquakes suggest that the southernmost San Andreas has, on average, produced a major, surface-rupturing earthquake about every 180 years,” said Sally McGill, CSUSB professor of geological sciences. “Thus, it is always important for us who live in California to become and remain prepared for a major earthquake at any time, which could disrupt the delivery of water, power, and internet connectivity, as well as the transportation of goods and people.”

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.

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. 15 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.

Also, the annual hike to the San Andreas Fault behind the campus will take place from 8:30-11 a.m. on Oct. 27. Hosted by the Department of Geological Sciences, it was originally scheduled for Oct. 6 but had to be postponed due to excessive heat. The hike is open to all, and participants will gather on the north side of the Biological Sciences building. Register at the CSUSB Geology San Andreas Fault Hike Sign-Up webpage.

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.
Graphic of CSUSB mascot Cody Coyote demonstrating drop, cover, hold on for ShakeOut quake drill.>>

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.