In Humboldt, Del Norte, and Mendocino counties, more than 52,000 residents have signed up at ShakeOut.org for the 2014 exercise. Registration remains open. The California Shakeout is a statewide earthquake drill held each year to bring awareness to the importance of steps everyone can take to increase their preparedness and stay safe during the next big event. All North Coast residents, businesses, nonprofits, government and other agencies are encouraged to register and participate.
According to Living on Shaky Ground (PDF), a free earthquake and tsunami readiness guide published by Humboldt State University, nearly 40 earthquakes of magnitude 6 or larger have affected Northern California in the past 150 years. Most of these earthquakes were centered on faults nearby. But very large earthquakes located elsewhere in the Pacific basin, like the 1964 magnitude 9.2 Alaska earthquake can generate tsunamis that threaten our coast. The Northcoast is the most tsunami-prone area of the continental United States.
The safest thing to do during an earthquake is “Drop, Cover, and Hold On,” as described at http://www.earthquakecountry.info/dropcoverholdon.
For more information, tips, and resources for earthquake preparedness, safety, and recovery visit the Shakeout website at shakeout.org. Online registration for the drill is available at www.shakeout.org/california/register/.
More information is also available at the Humboldt Earthquake Education Center at humboldt.edu/shakyground or by dialing 707-826-6019.