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Ethnic Media Services and California Black Media, in partnership with Listos California, presented a statewide ethnic media briefing to raise awareness around earthquake preparedness. In recognition of the 35th anniversary of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, Listos California aims to reach communities across the state with vital knowledge and resources to ensure safety before, during, and after an earthquake.
The briefing covered key elements, including participation in the Great ShakeOut on October 17, insights on earthquake science, and an overview of California’s first-in-the-nation Earthquake Early Warning System, including the MyShake App.
Amy Palmer, the Deputy Director of Crisis Communications and Public Affairs for the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), has emphasized the importance of emergency communication and public preparedness in the face of California’s growing natural disasters. Since stepping into the role earlier this year, Palmer has focused on continuing the work of her predecessor, Brian Ferguson, by enhancing the state’s emergency communications platform.
Under Palmer’s leadership, Cal OES is gearing up for the statewide ShakeOut drill, set to occur on the 35th anniversary of the devastating 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. The drill will take place on October 17 at 10:17 a.m., reminding Californians of the importance of earthquake preparedness.
Palmer highlighted the importance of knowing how to respond when an earthquake strikes, particularly given the advancements in California’s earthquake early warning system. This system now provides residents with critical seconds of warning via mobile phones before the ground starts shaking. “The extra seconds people gain through early alerts can be lifesaving, as long as they know what to do: drop, cover, and hold on,” Palmer said.
The California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is gearing up for its annual Great California ShakeOut earthquake drill by hosting a statewide preparedness tour. In anticipation of the drill, which will take place on Thursday, October 17 at 10:17 a.m., Cal OES will be visiting three cities across the state to promote earthquake preparedness and engage communities directly.
“We want to bring the preparedness message to everyone,” said Jose Lara, Seismic Hazards Branch Chief at Cal OES. “This year, we’ll be stopping in San Diego, Los Angeles, and Sacramento, targeting students, underserved communities, and anyone who wants to be better prepared for earthquakes.”
The tour kicks off at the University of California San Diego, where Lara emphasized the importance of teaching earthquake safety to students, especially those who may not come from high-risk seismic areas. “When we reach the children, parents often follow,” Lara noted.
One of the highlights of the tour is the earthquake simulator, which allows participants to experience the intensity of a magnitude 7.0 earthquake. “This simulator rocks your world,” Lara quipped. “It helps people understand why knowing what to do during strong shaking—drop, cover, and hold on—is so important.”
The second stop in Los Angeles will focus on engaging underserved communities through a partnership with Homeboy Industries, and the tour will conclude in Sacramento at California State University. Lara encouraged all Californians to participate in the Great ShakeOut drill, noting that over 9 million people are already registered for the event. “Earthquake preparedness is a life-saving skill. It’s not just a drill—it’s a chance to protect yourself and your loved ones.”
