More than 9.3 million Californians were expected to pause their routines Thursday at 10:18 a.m. to participate in what was being billed as the “largest earthquake safety drill in U.S. history.”
Across the state in schools, offices, hospitals and for the first time, Union Station in downtown Los Angeles, people were asked to drop, cover and hold on during the annual Great California ShakeOut drill. Los Angeles Metro trains were also slowed down at 10:18 a.m. as if a real earthquake occurred.
“This is the first time we’re focusing on commuters for a ShakeOut event,” said John Bwarie, a spokesman for the U.S. Geological Survey. “There’s about 250,000 just in Southern California, based on numbers from 2008, that commute across the San Andreas Fault.”
In Union Station, where more than 75,000 people pass through each day, a recording will broadcast over the loudspeaker asking commuters and passersby to drop to the ground, take cover underneath something sturdy and hold on until the shaking stops.
Metro trains across the county will slow down to restricted speeds -- slow enough to stop quickly and safely if there are obstructions on the track -- until all train operators on the line report back that the line is clear.
Trains won't be stopped, and the entire inspection should take about 15 minutes, said Marc Littman, a Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority spokesman.
“This is part of our emergency procedure, and the simulation drill is good training for us,” Littman said. “The whole process is during off-peak hours, so there will be minimal impact on service."
