CALIFORNIANS DUCK AND COVER FOR THE GREAT SHAKEOUT

On 10/18 at 10:18 a.m. people across California crawled under their desk to take part in what is know as the Great California ShakeOut.
 
While this is just a drill, Californians know all too well that an earthquake could easily be a reality.
 
At Washington Elementary School in Eureka, students were already under their desk by the time the all call finished.
 
Principal Kathleen Cloney-Gardiner decided to do the drill at a 11:10 a.m.
 
“We had students out at the playground at 10:18 a.m., that had never really participated in a drill before and so we wanted them to be with their classroom teacher and do it and be instructed through it," Cloney-Gardiner said.
 
Patricia Fuentes didn’t even have to instruct her 5th grade class through the process. They already knew the drill.
 
“They understand it's important to practice and take it seriously,” Fuentes said. “Whatever we practice is what we'll probably do in the event of an actual earthquake.”
 
After ducking under their desks, students formed a single-file line and went outside where all the other classes were waiting.
 
“It helps us to evaluate our level of preparedness and also our supplies that we keep in case of an earthquake,” Cloney-Gardiner said.
 
The North Coast region has to also factor in the possible result of a tsunami. Pacific Gas and Electrical Company activated their tsunami siren this morning and did their part in today’s activities.
 
“Living in California there's always that possibility of us having an earthquake,” Cloney-Gardiner said. “So I think the kids keep that in the back of their mind as well as the adults.”
 
Cloney-Gardiner was very pleased with her students performance and even said this was the best drill she’s seen in her 21 years as an educator.