On October 10, @Ethnic Media Services, in partnership with Listos California, presented a statewide ethnic media briefing to raise awareness around earthquake preparedness. In recognition of the 35th anniversary of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, Listos California aimed to reach communities across the state with vital knowledge and resources to ensure safety before, during, and after an earthquake. The briefing covered key elements, including participation in the Great ShakeOut on October 17, insights on earthquake science, and an overview of California’s first-in-the-nation Earthquake Early Warning System, including the MyShake App.
California, the land of golden sunsets, vibrant cities, and technological innovation, is also home to one of nature’s most unpredictable and devastating forces—earthquakes. Resting on the infamous Pacific Ring of Fire, the state is prone to seismic activity, with over 15,000 earthquakes recorded annually, though most are too small to be felt. The constant reminder that “the Big One” could strike at any moment places earthquake preparedness at the forefront of public safety. One of the most crucial elements of this preparedness is the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” method, a simple yet lifesaving action plan that has become the cornerstone of earthquake response strategies in California.
The Science Behind “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”
“Drop, Cover, and Hold On” is a three-step safety protocol recommended by experts for immediate action during an earthquake. When an earthquake hits, often with little to no warning, every second counts. Here’s what each step entails:
Drop: As soon as you feel the ground shaking, drop to your hands and knees. This position prevents you from being knocked over by the quake’s force and makes you a smaller target for falling or flying objects. Dropping also puts you in a better position to move to safety if needed.
Cover: Take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, such as a table or desk, to protect yourself from falling debris. If no shelter is available, crouch down near an interior wall and cover your head and neck with your arms. Avoid windows, as glass can shatter, and stay away from heavy objects that could tip over.
Hold On: While under cover, hold on to the furniture to ensure it stays in place during the shaking. Earthquakes often cause violent, unpredictable movement, and holding on helps stabilize your position until the tremors stop.
The method is widely endorsed by agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the United States Geological Survey (USGS), and California’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). It is designed to protect individuals from the most common causes of injury during an earthquake—falling debris, broken glass, and collapsing objects. According to experts, most injuries and fatalities in earthquakes are caused not by building collapse but by people being struck by items that fall or are thrown during the shaking.
Why “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” Is Critical
Despite advancements in building codes and structural engineering, earthquakes remain unpredictable and dangerous. While modern buildings are designed to withstand significant seismic activity, they are not immune to damage. Non-structural elements like ceilings, light fixtures, and furniture can still fall, posing serious threats to those inside.
In the chaos of an earthquake, instincts can often lead people to make risky decisions. Some may attempt to run outside, but this exposes them to even greater hazards, like falling debris from buildings, streetlights, and power lines. Others may freeze or attempt to take shelter in doorways—a practice that experts no longer recommend for modern buildings. “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” provides a clear, scientifically backed course of action that minimizes risks in these critical moments.
Jose Lara, the Seismic Hazards Branc Chief (Cal OES) said: “Over 50% of all injuries that occur during an earthquake or after an earthquake actually come from not securing your space, and people are trying to do things in the middle of shaking that they really shouldn’t be trying to do. That’s why it’s so important to drop cover and hold on”.
California’s Earthquake Landscape: A Constant Threat
California’s unique geography places it at the epicenter of seismic activity in the United States. The state is home to the San Andreas Fault, a major fault line that stretches over 800 miles through the state, and numerous other smaller faults. This extensive fault network makes California one of the most earthquake-prone regions in the world.
While minor quakes happen frequently, larger earthquakes like the 1994 Northridge quake (magnitude 6.7) and the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake (magnitude 6.9) serve as reminders of the state’s vulnerability. The Northridge earthquake caused over 60 deaths and $20 billion in damage, underscoring the need for robust preparedness measures.
Statewide Preparedness Efforts
California’s response to this constant threat is one of the most comprehensive earthquake preparedness campaigns in the world. State and local agencies, in partnership with schools, businesses, and community organizations, have made earthquake readiness a top priority. A key part of this effort is public education on “Drop, Cover, and Hold On,” which is integrated into drills, public service announcements, and emergency training programs.
One of the largest and most well-known preparedness initiatives is the Great California ShakeOut, an annual earthquake drill that encourages residents across the state to practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” Held every October, the ShakeOut involves millions of participants, from schoolchildren to office workers, who simulate their response to an earthquake. The goal is to reinforce the proper actions and build muscle memory, so that when a real earthquake strikes, Californians will know exactly what to do.
In 2023, over 10 million Californians participated in the ShakeOut, a testament to the widespread recognition of the importance of earthquake preparedness.
Earthquake Early Warning Systems: A New Tool
While “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” remains the primary immediate response to an earthquake, California has also embraced technology to enhance its preparedness efforts. The ShakeAlert system, developed by the USGS and deployed across the West Coast, is an earthquake early warning system that provides crucial seconds of warning before the shaking begins.
Using a network of seismic sensors, ShakeAlert detects the initial, less damaging P-waves of an earthquake, which travel faster than the more destructive S-waves. When these P-waves are detected, the system sends alerts to cell phones, radio stations, and public infrastructure, giving people valuable time to take cover before the stronger shaking starts.
For example, ShakeAlert can trigger automatic shutdowns of critical infrastructure, such as trains, power plants, and pipelines, reducing the risk of damage or accidents. For individuals, the alerts provide a few seconds to act on the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” protocol—seconds that can mean the difference between life and death.
Amy Palmer, the Deputy Director of Crisis Communications and Public Affairs in California said: “We never want to take for granted that Californians know what to do when the shaking starts, and We’ve had a number of earthquakes this year in California where our system of statewide sensors are actually giving people a significant number of seconds before the shaking starts. This is quite new and quite exciting and one of the reasons we feel it’s more important than ever to emphasize preparedness by knowing what to do.”
Securing Your Space: Preparedness at Home
While public drills and warning systems are crucial, earthquake preparedness also begins at home. “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” is effective in the moment, but long-term safety requires securing your environment to minimize hazards. The Earthquake Country Alliance, a California-based coalition of government agencies, businesses, and community groups, promotes a series of steps to secure homes and offices:
Secure heavy furniture: Use straps and brackets to anchor bookshelves, cabinets, and other heavy furniture to walls.
Store breakables low: Place items like glassware and electronics on lower shelves to prevent them from falling and breaking.
Brace ceiling fixtures: Ensure chandeliers and other ceiling-mounted objects are properly braced to withstand shaking.
Prepare an emergency kit: Every household should have a disaster kit with enough food, water, medications, and supplies to last at least 72 hours.
Building a Resilient California
As California continues to prepare for future earthquakes, the message remains clear: no one can predict exactly when or where the next major earthquake will strike, but everyone can take steps to be ready. “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” is a critical part of this readiness—a simple, effective action that can save lives in the critical moments of an earthquake.
Through statewide initiatives like the Great California ShakeOut, early warning systems like ShakeAlert, and ongoing public education efforts, California is building a culture of preparedness. In a state where earthquakes are inevitable, being ready is not an option but a necessity.