With the clean slate of a new school year, comes the timely opportunity to assess one’s emergency preparedness.
QuakeFest, the university’s annual emergency preparedness fair, allows LMU community members to meet with local first responders and government organizations to assess their emergency readiness. QuakeFest is held every October, to align with the Great ShakeOut worldwide earthquake drill and, less officially, the height of California wildfire season.
This year, QuakeFest returns on Wednesday, Oct. 15, and will be held on St. Robert’s Lawn, in tandem with Wellness Wednesday.
Along with free food, a photo booth, and giveaways, you can meet first responders and emergency management professionals. You’ll get the chance to restock your emergency kit, ask questions, and learn how to get prepared ahead of a host of natural and manmade disasters.
There will also be free fire extinguisher training courtesy of LAFD, and hands-only CPR training with MySafeLA.
Following QuakeFest, the university’s annual earthquake drill will occur on Thursday, Oct. 16. At 10:20 a.m. and again at 6:50 p.m. for evening classes, all Lions will receive an LMU Alert signifying the start of the drill.
At that time, you should stop wherever you are and “Drop. Cover. Hold On.” Assess your surroundings and consider your exit points – stay away from windows and hanging objects, and know the nearest stairwell. You should never take an elevator after an earthquake, if you can avoid it, to minimize the risk of getting trapped during a power outage.
For more information on the emergency preparedness fair and Great ShakeOut earthquake drill, visit the QuakeFest webpage. You’ll also find plenty of helpful resources and tips, including printable emergency kit checklists, household emergency plans, an earthquake drill guide, and more.