Sonoma County, partners for upcoming earthquake drills and resource fairs

Residents across Sonoma County are encouraged to stop, cover up and hold on to something strong when a mock earthquake hits the area at 10 a.m. on April 18.

The annual Spring Shake Out, organized by Sonoma County Emergency Management, aims to help community members practice what to do in the event of an earthquake.

It is also a good opportunity for residents to note potential fall hazards in the home and prepare an emergency kit.

The training is part of several preparedness events being hosted in April in recognition of Earthquake Preparedness Month and coincides with the 120th anniversary of the devastating 1906 earthquake that rocked the Bay Area, killing at least 85 people in Santa Rosa and destroying much of the downtown business corridor.

Businesses and organizations participating in this event are encouraged to register online, and residents are encouraged to organize their own training with family and friends. People who have signed up for the exercise can also sign up to receive a message through the county’s warning system, SoCo Alert, when shaking begins.

Because an earthquake could strike at any time without warning, it’s critical that community members prepare now for what’s to come, county emergency officials say. This includes having a plan in place, knowing what to do when the ground starts shaking, and what steps to take in the immediate aftermath to ensure the safety of family, friends and neighbors.

“People need to make sure they have a plan at home. That’s my biggest message to the community,” said Jeff Duvall, county emergency management director.

Emergency officials recommend that when an earthquake strikes, people stay put, cover sturdy furniture and hold on until the shaking stops.

People outside should find a clear spot away from buildings, trees and power lines, then get down and take cover. People in a vehicle should stop when safe to do so, turn on their hazard lights and remain in the vehicle.

Large furniture and other items in the home or workplace that can tip over should be secured to the wall, and heavy and breakable items should be moved to lower shelves to prevent injuries.

Officials recommend packing a kit of water, non-perishable foods, a supply of necessary medications, a first aid kit, a flashlight, and enough clothing and blankets to last about seven days.

In addition to the shakeout, county officials and their partners are holding a resource fair to help provide community members with more tips on how to prepare for a disaster.

The Sonoma Valley Community Health Center in partnership with the county Office of Emergency Management will host a preparedness fair from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. April 15 at Altimira Middle School, 17805 Arnold Dr.

Attendees can experience the force of a magnitude 8.0 earthquake in the Big Shaker, a portable earthquake simulator will be available, and emergency response agencies and community organizations will be available to conduct demonstrations and answer questions.

Later in the month, emergency officials and partners will gather at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds for a two-day event that includes an earthquake disaster simulation and a community resource exhibit.

First responders from across Sonoma County, teams of trained volunteers and animal response teams will conduct search and rescue, fire suppression and medical operations as part of a training exercise from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on April 25.

The event is open for public viewing and community members can register to volunteer for the exercise.

Emergency officials, community groups and safety experts will gather the next day for the Sonoma County Wildfire and Earthquake Expo.

Attendees will be able to learn best practices related to emergency preparedness and obtain other resources during the event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 26.

You can reach Staff Writer Paulina Pineda at 707-521-5268 or [email protected]. On X (Twitter) @paulinapineda22.

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