Full Notification

The City of San Leandro and its Police Department invite you to join them during the worldwide, “Great California Shake Out” earthquake preparation exercise on Thursday, October 17, 2019 at 10:17 AM.  

This exercise will mark the 11th anniversary of this program, preparing cities, schools, organizations and families to survive and recover from a major earthquake.

Employees in the city, as well as schools throughout San Leandro will join more than 8.7 million others in California and more than 53.9 million people worldwide in this disaster preparedness drill.  

At 10:17am, employees will respond to a simulated, devastating earthquake and take precautionary measures to protect themselves, coworkers and potential customers including “Drop, Cover and Hold On,” before evacuating city offices to designated locations of safety surrounding San Leandro’s City Hall and Police Department, where roll calls of personnel will be conducted and simulated damage of the buildings will be assessed.  

“With the PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event that occurred last week, and last night’s 4.5 magnitude earthquake centered near Pleasant Hill, now is the time for all of us to prepare for future events of this nature that can significantly impact us,” said Lt. Robert McManus.  “Through training and experience, we have learned one thing – the more we train and prepare for an event, the better we perform when forced into action.  If a severe earthquake ever hits, we, as a city, our residents, and your families will be better prepared to operate during an incident.  Drills like this also allow us to address issues that may affect San Leandro and other Alameda County cities in our region,” he said.  

The Emergency Services Division of the San Leandro Police Department hopes that San Leandro’s residents, business owners, and families will join with them in preparing for an earthquake by registering for next week’s drill and participating in The Great California Shakeout on October 17th at 10:17 AM.  

SEVEN STEPS TO EARTHQUAKE SAFETY:

Everyone should know what steps to take before, during and after an earthquake. Visit www.EarthquakeCountry.org/sevensteps to learn about the Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety: 

PREPARE (before an earthquake):

• (Step 1):  Secure your space by identifying hazards and securing moveable items such as furniture and other heavy objects to avoid injuries and damage.

• (Step 2):  Plan to be safe by creating a disaster plan and deciding how you will communicate in an emergency. Where will you meet your family? How will you get to work? Do you know how to perform CPR, or to use a fire extinguisher?

• (Step 3):  Organize disaster supplies in convenient locations.

• (Step 4):  Minimize financial hardship by organizing important documents, strengthening your property, and considering insurance.

SURVIVE (during and just after an earthquake):

• (Step 5):  Whenever you feel shaking, always Drop, Cover, and Hold On immediately!

DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down and also allows you to stay low and crawl to shelter if nearby.  COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand
• If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter 
• If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows) 
• Stay on your knees; bend over to protect vital organs
HOLD ON until shaking stops
• Under shelter: hold on to it with one hand; be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts
• No shelter: hold on to your head and neck with both arms and hands.

No sturdy desk or table? Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Avoid exterior walls, windows, hanging objects, mirrors, tall furniture, large appliances, and kitchen cabinets with heavy objects or glass. However, do not try to move more than 5-7 feet before getting on the ground. Do not go outside during shaking! The area near the exterior walls of a building is the most dangerous place to be. Windows, facades and architectural details are often the first parts of the building to break away. If seated and unable to drop to the floor: bend forward, Cover your head with your arms, and Hold On to your next with both hands.

These are guidelines provided by ShakeOut.org for most situations. Visit www.EarthquakeCountry.org/step5 to learn how to protect yourself in other situations and locations, including safety tips for people with disabilities.

• (Step 6):  Improve safety after earthquakes by evacuating, if necessary, helping the injured, and preventing further injuries or damage. Be ready for aftershocks that may continue for several weeks to months after large earthquakes.

RECOVER (after an earthquake):

• (Step 7):  Reconnect and Restore. Restore daily life by reconnecting with others, repairing damage, and rebuilding community.

• To keep phone lines accessible for emergency use, communicate via text message rather than calling.
• If you have an earthquake insurance policy and have suffered any property damage, contact your insurance agent or company for assistance.

*For additional information and to register your participation, please visit:

www.ShakeOut.org/California/

The City of San Leandro and its police department would like to notify the public that services offered to the public at City Hall and the police department buildings will be impacted for approximately 30 minutes during The Great Shake Out drill.  

Law enforcement services and the 911 Communications Center will not be impacted, allowing the SLPD to continue providing public safety services to our San Leandro community, while some employees participate in the drill.
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PRESS RELEASE INFORMATION:

DATE / TIME OF RELEASE: 10/15/18 – 4:00pm

INCIDENTS:  Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill

PRESS RELEASE OFFICER:  Lt. Robert McManus

TELEPHONE: (510) 577-3232

EMAIL: [email protected]

DATE / TIME OF DRILL: 10/17/19 – 10:17am