MATHER, CA (MPG) - Building upon California’s leadership to implement a first-in-the-nation earthquake alert system and encouraging Californians to be earthquake prepared, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is hosting a statewide tour with an earthquake simulation trailer, known as the Great California ShakeOut Tour, Oct. 14 through 16. 

Cal OES is leading the effort to provide life-saving earthquake preparedness tips to three California cities, all while featuring a simulator that offers a real-life sense of earthquake intensity.   

“California is no stranger to natural disasters, like earthquakes. That’s why it’s important we work with communities statewide to have the life-saving information they need to stay safe before the next seismic event,” said Nancy Ward, Cal OES Director. 

The tour, which will allow visitors to ride in an earthquake simulator, as well as receive important earthquake preparedness information, will make stops in three California counties, beginning Oct. 14 in San Diego. Other stops include Los Angeles (Oct. 15) and Sacramento (Oct. 16) 

It all leads up to the Great California ShakeOut Day on October 17 at 10:17 a.m., where millions of Californians will participate in an earthquake drill and practice life-saving actions like drop, cover and hold on. This date also holds special significance as San Francisco honors the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake which occurred on the same day 35 years ago. 

Through the earthquake simulator, users will have the opportunity to experience intense simulated shaking, similar to that caused by magnitude 7.0 earthquakes. 

For more information on the tour, visit: https://news.caloes.ca.gov/greatcashakeout/.

TOUR SCHEDULE: 

Wed., Oct. 16, 2024: Sacramento | California State University, Sacramento  

Serna Plaza outside of Hornet Bookstore 

6000 Jed Smith Dr, Sacramento, CA 95819 

Media arrival as early as 5:30 a.m.  

Public hours: 7 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

Thurs., Oct. 17, 2024: Statewide | at 10:17 a.m.  

In recognition of the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake which occurred 35 years ago and to celebrate ShakeOut Day, Cal OES encourages all Californians to drop, cover and hold on. 

VISUALS:       

Cal OES branded Earthquake Simulator (14’ H x 9’W x 36’ L)  

Californians on the simulator  

Earthquake experts interacting with families