City earthquake drill draws 6,200 participants

They dropped, they covered and they held.
The Sonoma Disaster Council coordinated a significant disaster preparedness drill on October 15, the 20th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake.
Dubbed “The Big Rumble,” the exercise was designed to demonstrate the need for disaster preparedness.
City Manager Linda Kelly said approximately 22 community groups, plus 11 public and private schools, took part in the drill. Total participation numbered 6,200 people, of which 4,800 were students.
“I am extremely encouraged by the high level of participation and the initiative shown by organizations to place a priority on disaster preparedness,” Kelly said. “The drill exceeded our expectations, and we continue to encourage self-reliance and preparedness.”
Community groups, homeowners associations, non-profit organizations, and schools throughout Sonoma Valley were invited to register in advance to participate at
their workplace, facility or school.
Among the participating groups were Becoming Independent, Creekside Homeowners’ Association, Crescent Montessori School, Pueblo Serena Mobile Home Park, Rancho de Sonoma Mobile Home Park, Sonoma Community Center and Vintage House.
When the clock struck 10:15 a.m., so did the imaginary earthquake, with participants practicing responses including the still-recommended “drop, cover and hold.”
Preparing now, and being as self-sufficient as possible in the event of a real emergency, is vital, Kelly said.
“The important message to share is that public resources will be spread thin in the event of an actual disaster, so everyone should take steps now to ensure readiness to function during and after a major disaster,” she said.
The City provided each group with a “tool kit” including a Red Cross emergency kit to be used for a raffle prize, earthquake preparedness instructions, information on disaster planning for pets, and a pocket guide to emergency preparedness. The Big Rumble was Sonoma’s part of a Bay Area-wide public awareness campaign.