The Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) today joined more than 35 million people across the globe participating in “International ShakeOut Day,” held annually on the third Thursday in October. During the self-led drill, participants practice how to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” in the event of an earthquake. With COVID-19 limiting the number of people onsite at TCA’s offices, this year, the Agencies pivoted and held the shakeout drill during an all-staff Zoom meeting. This “Zoomquake” came as a surprise to participants, many of whom were logged on remotely. Participants were alerted to the drill and were instructed to “Drop, Cover and Hold On.”

Endorsed by emergency officials and first responders, the safe response to an earthquake is to:

DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down and also allows you to stay low and crawl to shelter if nearby.

COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand

• If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter
• If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows)
• Stay on your knees; bend over to protect vital organs

HOLD ON until shaking stops

• Under shelter: hold on with one hand; be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts
• No shelter: hold your head and neck with both arms and hands

In the weeks prior to Thursday’s “Zoomquake,” TCA staff members were sent email tips about preparing for an earthquake. Frequent emails included information on how to secure spaces at home or in the office and how to organize disaster supplies, among other useful best practices. Staff members were also pointed to helpful resources such as ReadyOC.org and encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at AlertOC.org.

“The ‘Zoomquake’ really reminded me that an earthquake can strike anywhere, at any time, without warning. The surprise of holding this drill while the whole staff was in a virtual meeting really drove home the point,” said TCA administrative coordinator Stephanie Eddie. “I’m going to go over our emergency action plan with my family tonight.”

“This year has taught us that we must be prepared for anything. Participating in drills like the International ShakeOut is just one way we can be prudent in looking out for the safety and well-being of our staff,” said TCA CEO Samuel Johnson. “I think everyone, including myself, benefitted from this drill, and I thank our Safety Committee for their hard work in making sure staff is informed and prepared.”

To view a video of the ‘Zoomquake,’ visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWVO338xSgM. 

The Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) are two joint powers authorities formed by the California legislature in 1986 to plan, finance, construct and operate Orange County’s public toll road system comprised of the 73, 133, 241 and 261 Toll Roads.