Santa Clarita residents dropped, covered and held on during the Great California ShakeOut Thursday at all three branches of the Santa Clarita Public Library.

The Great California ShakeOut is a statewide earthquake drill held annually every year to help prepare people to survive and recover quickly from big earthquakes.

The event provided an opportunity for the community, schools and organizations to review and update emergency preparedness plans and supplies, as well as secure space in order to prevent damage and injuries.

As 10:15 a.m., participants inside of all three branches of the Santa Clarita Public Library were asked to “drop, take cover and hold on,” as if an earthquake was happening. The participants then evacuated from the libraries.

A participant taking cover underneath a desk. Photo by Chris McCrory.

“It’s good that we had those drills,” said Karen Cruze, community outreach coordinator with the Santa Clarita Public Library.

There were more than 10 million individuals from all over California who participated in the Great California ShakeOut, according to the website.

“Major earthquakes can and will happen here in Santa Clarita,” said Mayor Marsha McLean in a previous story.

A person may only have seconds to protect themselves in the event of an earthquake. The Great ShakeOut has provided steps one should take in an earthquake:

If one is inside of a building:

• Drop to the ground.
• Take cover by getting under a sturdy desk or table.
• Hold on until the shaking stops.

Stay indoors until the shaking stops and it is safe to exit.

If one is outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, streetlights and power lines then drop, cover and hold on. Stay there until the shaking stops.

If driving, pull over over to a clear location, stop and stay there with one’s seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops. Proceed with caution after the shaking stops and avoid bridges or ramps that might have been damaged.

Los Angeles County urges residents to put together an emergency supply kit in the event of an emergency. The kit should include:

• Out-of-state contact list
• Cash
• Important documents, like a driver’s license, social security card or insurance
• Change of clothing for each family member
• Personal hygiene items
• Family photos
• Baby items
• Special needs items
• Pet care items