The annual event, which began in Los Angeles in 2008, has attracted more than 57 million participants worldwide. In California alone, over 10 million people have registered to practice the drop, cover, and hold on steps on International ShakeOut Day, which falls on October 17th.
According to the ShakeOut website, individuals and organizations globally have registered for the event to learn and practice earthquake safety measures. The event serves as an annual reminder and practice session on how to protect oneself during earthquakes.
Mark Benthien, the global coordinator of ShakeOut based in Los Angeles, shared that the event started as an earthquake drill in 2008 and has since grown to involve participants statewide, nationwide, and globally.
California, situated on the boundary of the North American Plate and the Pacific Plate, faces a high risk of earthquakes due to the movement and accumulation of energy between these plates. Geologists predict that Californians will experience at least one major earthquake in their lifetime.
Geologists have set up seismic stations across California to monitor seismic signals and provide alerts in case of an impending earthquake. While these alerts can help individuals take immediate safety measures during an earthquake, preparation through emergency plans and supplies is crucial.
Photo Credit: Jane Yang/The Epoch Times
According to Cal OES Media Relations Representative Diana Ibrahim, users of the MyShake App and Android Alerts will receive notifications for earthquakes of magnitude 4.5 and above. For Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs), notifications will be sent for earthquakes of magnitude 5.0 and above.
The alert system does not predict earthquakes but rather issues alerts quickly after a seismic event is detected. This could provide residents with some advance warning, as explained by Scharer.
Officials emphasize that the purpose of the alert system is to give people a few seconds to tens of seconds of advance warning before the shaking begins. This allows individuals to drop, cover, and hold on until the shaking subsides.
Cal OES’s Lauduk Yvette mentioned that the timing of the alert depends on the recipient’s distance from the epicenter. Those further away will have more time to react.
