Countywide : Drills Planned for Earthquake Month

Besides hitting the books today, students at more than 100 Ventura County public schools will hit the deck in drills that kick off statewide observance of Earthquake Preparedness Month.

The drills will be triggered by an Emergency Broadcast System test beginning at 10:10 a.m. and aired over several local radio stations. The test will feature a 30-second live message from Gov. Pete Wilson, followed by a shrill tone for 30 seconds.

The Emergency Broadcast System, created during World War II, is used by state and local governments to alert and inform the public during emergencies. Today’s test is designed to make the public aware of the system.

“If there is a real emergency, such as an earthquake, you’re not going to be able to call 911 and have the fire department roll up to your door, or dial 411 and get the number for the nearest plumber,” said Dale Carnathan, a program administrator for the Ventura County sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services. “You’ll have to turn on the radio and find out what to do.”

Members of the county Board of Supervisors will interrupt their morning session today to duck under their desks.

“Most of the injuries and deaths in Southern California earthquakes happen to people who did not take cover and remain in a safe place until the shaking stopped,” Carnathan said.

Throughout the month, members of the Office of Emergency Services will conduct earthquake preparedness presentations at schools and retirement homes in the county. Emergency response vehicles and a sheriff’s helicopter will be on display today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the county Government Center in Ventura.