The exercise, which will be staged on Contra Costa Community College's San Pablo campus, has been designed to test the region's ability to respond to a catastrophic emergency such as a major temblor.
Emergency responders will work to provide emergency food, water and shelter to "victims" of the simulated disaster. Particular attention will be paid to providing care for people with special needs. An emergency animal shelter will be set up as well.
More than 100 community volunteers, some of whom will bring their pets, will take part.
The Contra Costa Community College District will participate, along with the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the cities of Richmond and San Pablo, and the county's health services, animal services, emergency services and human services departments.
The drill is scheduled to take place between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at 2600 Mission Bell Drive.
