Beverly Hills Urges Residents to Join October 15 ShakeOut

Beverly Hills is asking residents, businesses and families to pause at 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, October 15, and practice the earthquake response known as "Drop, Cover and Hold On" during the Great ShakeOut.

The annual drill brings people together at home, school and work to rehearse what to do when the ground shakes. October 15 is this year's International ShakeOut Day, according to the event's organizers.

ShakeOut's guidance calls for dropping onto hands and knees, covering the head and neck, taking shelter beneath a sturdy table or desk when one is nearby, and holding on until the shaking stops. The exercise is an opportunity to practice those actions in the places people regularly spend time.

The city's graphic also highlights "Lock, Cover and Hold On" for people using a wheelchair or a walker with a seat, directing attention to earthquake preparations that account for different mobility needs.

Beverly Hills is encouraging participants to use the occasion for a broader household review: make an emergency plan, check and replenish supplies, build or update an emergency kit, and decide how family members would communicate after an emergency.

That review can begin before drill day. Households can discuss their plan together, while workplaces can arrange a practice suited to their setting. ShakeOut organizers allow participants to register a drill on another day or at another time if the October 15 schedule does not work for them.

The city is also reminding residents to enroll in local emergency notifications. Texting "BEVHILLS" to 888777 signs up a phone for Beverly Hills emergency-management alerts, including information about emergencies and road closures.

Residents can find local preparedness information at beverlyhills.org/preparedness and drill resources and registration at shakeout.org/california. The community practice is scheduled for October 15 at 10:15 a.m.