The great shakeout is set to take place on October 16 at ERHS. It happens every year, and it is a good tool we use for people to learn and remember what to do during an earthquake, as California is very prone to them. California experiences 500 earthquakes on average each year that can be felt. Especially for a big school like Roosevelt with a lot of kids, it is good for them to know what to do and where to go during one, so everyone stays calm and no one gets hurt. While yes, most of these earthquakes are small and don’t pose a real threat to a school, a large one can hit at any time, which is why knowing what to do if there is one is so important.

Mia Pienal, a Senior at Roosevelt High School, had this to say about the great shakeout when asked if she thought it was important or not.

“I think they [the great shakout drills] are, but I don’t think students take it very seriously.”

I think because the great shakeout happens every year, people don’t really want to do it or pay attention to it anymore. But for a big school like Roosevelt with thousands of students and staff, everyone must know where to go and what to do during and after an earthquake. Having these drills, like the great shakeout, helps make the response automatic. Because we rehearse what to do, more students and staff are more likely to stay calm, make good decisions, and avoid injury if a bad earthquake does happen.

Nancy Ward, director of Cal OES, has stated that “knowing what to do when earthquake shaking starts can save your life.”

The great shakeout is not just for schools like ERHS, but also for families, businesses, and communities across California and around the world that participate in it. It is a reminder for everyone to be prepared, check emergency supplies, and get the conversations about safety plans at home going. Earthquakes are a natural part of life in California, but with education and drills like the Great ShakeOut, we can reduce the risk and keep our communities safe.