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Today is the Great California Shake Out for earthquake readiness. What to know
A 2019 earthquake led to some damage in Ridgecrest.
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Mario Tama
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Getty Images
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Topline:
Around 10:15 a.m. today (10:15 on 10/15, get it?), smartphones across California will buzz and howl with a test earthquake warning. Don't be alarmed — but do take it as a cue to check your readiness level.
Why it matters: California is earthquake country. It's not a matter of if the Big One will strike. It's a matter of when. So it's always good to get a reminder to stay on top of your readiness by having an emergency plan, keeping your supplies fresh and getting to know your neighbors.
Why now: Today is the Great California Shake Out — an annual test of the earthquake early warning system that reminds people what to do if they get a real warning or feel the ground shaking: Drop, cover and hold on.
What to do: When the alert happens, be cool; you totally knew it was coming. Then check out the Great California Shake Out website for more details and resources; download the MyShake app (or tell a friend to download it) to ensure that you get an early warning about a big earthquake; check out the U.S. Geological Survey site for information on recent quakes and much more; and listen to LAist's The Big One podcast, which is all about how an earthquake could play out in Southern California and what you can do about it.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
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