Huge earthquake drill planned

What is being billed as the largest earthquake drill in U.S. history is scheduled for tomorrow morning at 10:00 am (PDT). An estimated 5.1 million people in Southern California are expected to participate, including more than 400,000 here in San Diego County. At 10 am, in response to an imaginary quake, people will be advised to "drop, cover, and hold"... get to the floor immediately, move under a sturdy piece of furniture if possible and hold onto it. The drill is part of the "Great Southern CA Shakeout," a simulation of a magnitude 7.8 earthquake on the southern end of the San Andreas fault, which would have widespread regional impacts. The shakeout was organized by the Earthquake Country Alliance. More than 100 local schools and 100 businesses have signed up to take part in the drill, and organizers would like individuals and families also to rehearse their responses during a quake. These preparedness drills are designed to test emergency responders' ability to deal with the impacts of a major earthquake. We signed up for this drill and we are ready for it tomorrow.