Today the Golden State will host the third annual Great California Shakeout. A total of 8.6 million Californians are participating in the earthquake preparedness drill. School children and office workers will practice basic quake survival skills by crawling under their desks and holding onto their desks or chairs. more ›

This was the first Saturday of the Autumn Meet for Santa Anita with the only clouds seen were thunderheads peeking out from behind the San Gabriel Mountains. With the food truck festival on the infield and an 80’s cover band playing to the customers of the Ragin’ Cajun, Grilled Cheese Truck, et al., the mercury got up to 92 degrees with customers taking shelter under the few bits of shade afforded. But that wasn’t the only place where things got fiery. more ›

This is only a test. Repeat. Test. On Tuesday, Southern California Edison operators of the San Onofre nuclear plant will be starting a three-day, "radioactive release" simulation exercise to to "test the ability of the facility and local, state and federal agencies to respond to a radiological emergency," says a spokeswoman for the California Emergency Management Agency, reports the LA Times. more ›

A "disaster village" in Sherman Oaks has been set up for Los Angeles Fire Department personnel in a three and a half hour drill, the department said today. "LAFD would have all resources on radio watch and checking their districts to ensure safety for all citizens," read a tweet. "Firefighters from 106 neighborhood fire stations would provide a complete survey of 470 sq miles of the greater Los Angeles area." more ›

Today is the state's largest-ever earthquake drill ever. Some 6.8 million people are signed up to participate in the simple, but important process of dropping, covering and holding on. You don't need really don't need to sign up, but listening to this video from the Great California Shakeout may help when a large quake starts shaking--hopefully in your sudden freakout, you remember these tips. more ›

Yesterday's earthquake that sent a tsunami into American Samoa (and some slightly higher waves to Los Angeles) reminded us of this year's anticipated earthquake... drill. Just like last year, millions are expected to pretend a huge earthquake has struck and participate in statewide drill. This is the second year for the Great California ShakeOut, a major emergency preparedness public education tool. It doesn't take too much time, but the lesson of knowing the mantra, "drop, cover and hold on," can make a difference. more ›

Throughout the world, in major cities, there are legends of strange humanoids and elusive creatures living beneath the streets. In New York there were once many rumors of alligators occupying the sewer systems, and such creatures have been dredged up from below. In London there was once lore pertaining to subterranean folk inhabiting the gloomy, unused tunnels, but such whispers were never proven. Los Angeles is no exempt from the weirdness... more ›

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As of part of today's regionwide 10 a.m. earthquake drill, Metro will be slowing its trains for one hour between 10 and 11 this morning. Their purpose is "so maintenance personnel can simulate inspections on track and other rail infrastructure... Over the course of this one hour period, trains may run at minimum operating speeds (under 20 mph), depending on the location of the train and the exact time. All passengers riding during this time period should expect some delays and plan accordingly." An estimated 5.2 million people are expected to take part in today's Great Southern Califronia ShakeOut exercise. Watch these two videos to catch up. more ›

Finally. With tomorrow's massive earthquake drill planned for 10:00 a.m. (are you taking part in the Great Southern California ShakeOut?), the federal government along with tons of scientists and local agencies have put out this death-defying dramatic video on YouTube that will hopefully scare the bejesus out of Los Angeles area residents to actually prepare themselves. This is one of those scare tactics we'll gladly accept from big bro. Get thyself prepared. more ›

The Great Southern California ShakeOut was officially announced today where millions of Southern Californians will “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” (register at www.ShakeOut.org) as thousands of emergency responders statewide take part in the largest-ever earthquake response drill called "Golden Guardian." The hypothetical magnitude 7.8 earthquake will rupture the San Andreas Fault at 10 a.m. on November 13. more ›