More than 41.5 million people worldwide and 10.4 million in California, including Whittier College and Broadoaks School students, faculty, and staff put their emergency preparedness knowledge to the test at today’s Great California ShakeOut. The annual earthquake drill, which started in California in 2008, aims to educate the public regarding the precautions they should take in the event of an earthquake in hopes to enhance future readiness. This year, the drill took place on October 15 at 10:15 a.m.
Minutes before the drill, students, faculty, and staff received an emergency notification via phone calls, emails, and text messages warning them of the upcoming drill and what was needed to be done during it.
During the drill, all participants on campus were directed to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On!” by to dropping under a table or desk, covering their head, and holding on to the table or desk as if a major earthquake was happening.
Following the drill, Whittier College participants evacuated all buildings and walked to their designated evacuation zones around campus. Hundreds of students gathered as Campus Safety officers inspected all buildings to make sure the drill had been followed up to regulations. Once given the all clear message, everyone made their way back to their classes and offices to resume their days.
