International ShakeOut Day Preps Locals for ‘Big One'

Families are encouraged to practice earthquake drills together and discuss what plans they have for when disaster strikes, especially since students are distance learning and may not be able to practice in school as they normally would

By Karla Rendon-Alvarez and Audra Stafford • •

NBC Universal, Inc.

A demonstration outside the San Diego County’s Administration Building showed locals how it would feel if a major earthquake were to occur. NBC 7’s Audra Stafford speaks with a Cal Fire chief on why it’s so important to be prepared.

It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when.

A large earthquake is bound to hit San Diego County someday, according to experts, and Southern Californians should be prepared with a disaster plan and emergency kit for whenever the unthinkable strikes.

To help further prepare everyone for when the "Big One" strikes, International ShakeOut Day is back – as it always is on the third Thursday of October. The largest mobile earthquake simulator in the world has returned to remind everyone what to do when an earthquake occurs: drop, cover and hold on.

Earthquake Preparedness

More on what to know when you begin to feel some shaking and swaying.

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An updated San Diego Earthquake Scenario was revealed in March of this year at the National Earthquake Conference to show locals how devastating it would be if a magnitude 6.9 earthquake were to strike along the Rose Canyon Fault.

The Earthquake Engineering Research Institute, which simulated the disaster, said they studied the Rose Canyon fault because it runs along the urban core of America’s Finest City. Their study found that about 120,000 buildings would be damaged in such a temblor.

Researchers found that coastal communities from La Jolla to Silver Strand could be cut off from nearly all utility services and infrastructures if a major 6.9-magnitude earthquake were to happen.

In addition to having a disaster plan and emergency kit ready to go, it is recommended that those who live in earthquake-prone areas download an application on their mobile devices to receive warnings on when a temblor can occur. Some apps can warn users up to a minute before an earthquake will strike and every second counts when it comes to disasters, so such a warning could potentially be life-saving.

Elizabeth Chavolla
This bag includes scissors, bandages, gauze, insurance cards, cut and rash creams, antiseptic cream, antihistamine tablets, cough syrup, alcohol towels, eye drops and distilled water.
Elizabeth Chavolla
Perhaps the most important tool in an emergency situation is the whistle, as this will help rescue teams find you.
American Red Cross
It is important that each member of your family has their own backpack. Each backpack should include everything that is mentioned on this list. Seniors, babies and pets must have their own backpack. If you have a pet, prepare a backpack with food and toys.
Elizabeth Chavolla
The poncho will keep you dry and protect you from rain. Also have a change of thermal clothing.
Elizabeth Chavolla
In a plastic bag, put soap, toothpaste, a toothbrush, deodorant, cotton, cleaning towels, lotion, disposable tissues, razors and feminine towels.
ElizabethChavolla
These lenses are used for protecting your eyes from dust and other hazards.
Elizabeth Chavolla
In a plastic bag include a copy of your identification, license, passport and social security.
Elizabeth Chavolla
One gallon of water per person is recommended, so that you have water for at least 3 to 5 days.
Elizabeth Chavolla
Be sure to pack one or two chargers for your phone, as well as portable chargers that can be pre-charged and ready to use while on the go.
Elizabeth Chavolla
All food you keep must be food that is not perishable. Do not forget to include a can opener.
Elizabeth Chavolla
It is important to have a flashlight in your emergency backpack, but also in every room of your home, given that a natural disaster can occur at any time. Make sure you have enough batteries.
Elizabeth Chavolla
It is important to have a self-charging radio and to have batteries for it. You can buy a radio combo, which includes flashlight, radio and phone charger.
Elizabeth Chavolla
These elements are necessary to close the gas supply in your home.
Elizabeth Chavolla
If you have a medical history, include a list of your medicines and have enough doses for one week.
Elizabeth Chavolla
Keep cash in your bag. In case of a major emergency, there will be no access to banks or ATMs.

Since many students are still distance learning, they may not get the opportunity to practice earthquake drills in school as they normally would. For that reason, families are encouraged to practice together and discuss what plans they have for when disaster strikes.

County leaders will hold a news conference at 9 a.m. Thursday to discuss and demonstrate the significance of earthquake preparedness.

For more information on ShakeOut drills, click here.

Residents across California, including San Diego, will take part in the Great Shakeout Thursday as part of an international day aimed at reminding people to always be prepared for that next big earthquake. NBC 7's Audra Stafford shares some quake preparedness tips.
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