Shake, rattle, roll and hold on to something sturdy
Saddleback College will join in the largest earthquake preparedness drill in U.S. history, joining millions in the Great Southern California ShakeOut. The purpose is to prepare the Saddleback community should an earthquake or other disaster occur.
The scenario is based on a potential magnitude 7.8 earthquake on the southern San Andreas Fault- approximately 5,000 times larger than the magnitude 5.4 earthquake that shook southern California on July 29. The drill focuses on the life-saving response one should use if such a catastrophic episode occurred.
On Thursday at 9:45 a.m., a campus-wide simulated emergency broadcast will be made to each classroom via loudspeaker or telephone saying first that it is a drill and then “earthquake, earthquake.”
Respondents are expected to follow the protocol and to drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on until shaking stops.
When the “all clear” announcement is made, the campus’ evacuation plan calls for all buildings to be evacuated.
Campus Community Emergency Response Team members in orange vests will be available to answer questions and direct the correct evacuation locations.