Gigantic earthquake drill back for a second year.

On Thursday October 15, Santa Clarita residents will join people across the state of California in the annual Great California Shakeout earthquake preparedness event.

At 10:15 a.m. on that day, millions of Californians will simulate a major earthquake. During the drill, students and employees will practice safety techniques like duck, cover and hold. The maneuver directs individuals in the event of an earthquake to literally duck under a desk or table, cover their heads, and hold on. This procedure aims to offer protection from flying objects, which is the most common source of injury during an earthquake.

The drill provides another opportunity, one that will be utilized by emergency responders. Local Sheriff’s deputies, firefighters, hospitals and others will be using the drill to test their initial responses to an earthquake.

KHTS AM-1220 will be broadcasting the drill countdown live, and local business and schools are encouraged to tune in. News Director Carol Rock will accompany local Sheriff’s deputies and document their duties during an earthquake response.

Last year, 4.9 million people participated in the Great California Shakeout drill.

Learn more about the drill at www.shakeout.org

Photo: Newhall Elementary students learn to duck and cover