WarnMe Test To Include Earthquake Drill Oct. 16
Drop, cover and hold on when UC Davis tests its WarnMe emergency communications system as a participant in the Great California ShakeOut Thursday, Oct. 16.
At 10:16 a.m., millions across California will practice earthquake safety, and millions more around the world will participate in the drill at 10:16 a.m. their local time on what is International Shakeout Day.
The optional drill highlights “drop, cover and hold on.” Federal, state and local emergency management experts — including those at UC Davis — agree it is the appropriate action to take in an earthquake. The ShakeOut website provides guidance about the drill, including modifications for people who use canes, walkers or wheelchairs.
Test messages
UC Davis will send alerts by email to faculty, staff and students, all of whom are automatically registered to receive alerts through their UC Davis email, and by text message to those who have mobile numbers in their WarnMe contact information.
The test will send messages to groups for the Bodega Marine Lab, Tahoe Environmental Research Center, and Continuing and Professional Education. Also included will be parents and others who have subscribed to receive WarnMe and Aggie Alert messages — when issued by text — for the Davis campus.
In addition, messages will be posted to:
the Everbridge Mobile App (available to those with a UC Davis email address except those affiliated with UC Davis Health)
UC Davis’ official X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook accounts
The messages will encourage recipients to practice the drill to drop, cover, and hold on for a few seconds. There will be no follow-up message.
Resources for earthquake safety
Benton Best, campus emergency manager, said he encourages members of the UC Davis community to download and use the MyShake app. It uses data from motion sensors on smartphones to determine if the motion fits the model of an earthquake and sends early warning messages to users in California, Oregon and Washington.
The Earthquake Country Alliance, whose members help organize the state Shakeout, recommend seven steps for earthquake safety including things to do before, during and after an earthquake. Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety for College Students is a version tailored to students.
More about WarnMe
WarnMe messages provide information and directions regarding emergencies that pose an immediate threat to life and safety. Aggie Alert messages, sent using the same system and contact information, provide notification about events on and around Davis campus facilities that may cause disruption to normal activities.
Emergency officials encourage employees and students to add personal email addresses and mobile numbers — up to a total of five for each contact method and keep them up to date.