Date: October 8, 2009

Attention: ASCIP Members

Subject: The Great Southern California Shakeout 2009

Download a printer-friendly version.

Recent earthquake emergency events such as the September 29th Samoa Island Region 8.0 earthquake and the multiple earthquakes of October 8th in the South Pacific near Vanuatu Island have heightened awareness to emergency preparedness. While other events receive much media attention and emergency planning efforts, earthquakes are still the largest disaster threat to California schools, colleges and universities.

During 2008, the Los Angeles County Office of Education partnered with the Earthquake Country Alliance to promote "The Great Southern California Shake Out" (Shake Out) in an effort to raise earthquake awareness for all residents, students, parents, public safety officers, educational and political leaders of Southern California. The Great Southern California Shake Out was a seven-day special event based on an earthquake scenario developed by the U.S. Geological Survey.

This year, another Shake Out event will occur. The drill will take place on October 15th, 2009 at 10:15A.M. While the Shake Out will not be coordinated with an official emergency exercise this year, organizers are encouraging public educational agencies to participate in the drill. Organizers are hoping to achieve 10 million registered participants. To register for the Shake Out, go to www.shakeout.org/register.

ASCIP is encouraging its Members to participate in the Shake Out's October 15th drill as a way to prepare for future disaster events. The Shake Out drill is an effective way to test Member's current emergency preparedness plans and the interaction between emergency response personnel.

Education Code Section 32282(a)(2)(B)(i)(II) requires, as part of the Comprehensive School Safety Plan, that public elementary schools conduct a "drop" procedure once every quarter and public secondary school conduct a "drop" procedure once every semester. Participation in the Shake Out's drill complies with Ed. Code Section 32282.

The Great Southern California Shake Out offers many ways for educational agencies to participate. starting with simply conducting a "drop/duck, cover and hold" exercise. To learn more about ways educational agencies can participate, visit www.shakeout.org/schools.

ASCIP Staff is available to answer any questions regarding this event.