Don’t panic, this is just a drill.

A record 8.5 million people are registered to participate in the ‘Great ShakeOut’ Earthquake Drill Thursday at 10:20 a.m.

Students, teachers, businesspersons, government officials, hospital staffs, emergency responders, and people in their homes from California, Nevada, and Oregon will “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” as more than 50 radio stations throughout the state broadcast detailed instructions about what to do the moment shaking begins.

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Tune in to AM 1220 KHTS to hear our broadcast during the drill.  Mayor Marsha McLean will call in from a meeting in Los Angeles to participate and give helpful information about surviving an earthquake.

The City of Santa Clarita will participate in this exercise that will not only help people know what do in case of an earthquake, but raise awareness of the measures that should be taken for preparedness.  To get suggestions to prepare for an earthquake and create a disaster kit, click here.  For updates on emergencies in Santa Clarita, click here.

“It’s important that all Californians understand that they, as well as scientists, first responders and emergency managers, can take actions to reduce their risk of death, injury and property losses,” said Mike Dayton, Acting Secretary, California Emergency Management Agency. “I urge Californians to participate in the Great California ShakeOut and practice ‘Drop, Cover and Hold On’ procedure at 10:20 a.m. on Thursday.”

According to Bob Spears, Director, Office of Emergency Services, Los Angeles Unified School District, the District “uses the Great ShakeOut to practice our complete earthquake response plan at every school and office. Every school has a Safe School Plan and the ShakeOut is our opportunity to practice that plan with every teacher and student.”

The Great California ShakeOut’s website, www.ShakeOut.org is a significant central repository of relevant links to and information about earthquake safety.  The website offers comprehensive information about how individuals, families, businesses, churches, organizations and government agencies can prepare for serious earthquakes, get through them safely, and be able to have a survivable post-quake existence when essential services are likely to be disrupted for days or weeks.

In addition, the website lists more than 30 ShakeOut event venues designed for media coverage and lists many of the 50+ radio and television stations around the state that will carry an actual Drill Broadcast.  The Drill Broadcast is a 60-second message leading participants statewide through the recommended “Drop, Cover and Hold On” drill and providing valuable information about other precautionary measures, over earthquake sound effects.

Statewide events, resources, and updates are available at www.ShakeOut.org.  Other information on the website includes ShakeOut events, participating broadcasters, extensive earthquake preparation and survival information, and breakdowns of participants by category and by county.

The ShakeOut Drill began in 2008 in Southern California and then quickly spread throughout the state.  It now includes participants in Oregon, Nevada, Idaho, British Columbia, Guam, and even a group in Asia headquartered in Tajikistan.  This year’s ShakeOut activities in the Los Angeles area will be observed by interested groups of police, fire and emergency officials from Mexico, China and Japan.

The Great California ShakeOut highlights public-private partnerships between government, communities and the private sector, with sponsors including Earthquake Country Alliance members: California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA), the Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC), the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the California Earthquake Authority (CEA), the American Red Cross (ARC), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the California Department of Education, and State Farm Insurance.