SMJUHSD students and staff will be “Rockin and Rollin” for “The Great California Shakeout” on Thursday, October 20th.
The “Shake!” starts at 10:20 a.m. at Righetti, Pioneer Valley and Delta high schools where everybody is participating in the statewide drill to practice what to do during earthquakes, and to improve preparedness. Santa Maria High School already completed their drill.
Staff will use the intercom to announce they are simulating an earthquake. Students will be instructed to move away from windows and heavy objects and get beneath their desks in the “Duck, Cover and Hold On” position for one to two minutes. Then, a fire alarm will sound, accountability sheets are to be filled out and checks will be conducted in all bathrooms, hallways, classrooms and facilities. Staff will announce an “all clear” to end the drill.
In 2015, more than 10 million Californians took part and learned to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” and other safety procedures during the “Shakeout Drill”. Last year, public school districts and private schools accounted for more than 6 million of the participants.
Director of Facilities and Operations Reese Thompson said staff will also complete an earthquake hazard checklist by examining and securing interior and exterior hazards.
“Everyone knows that when we talk about earthquakes, it’s not a matter of if, but when,’’ Thompson said.
