Hundreds of students head to SJ Tech Museum for statewide 'ShakeOut'
SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- People up and down the state practiced ducking and covering this morning, as part of a statewide safety drill to get people ready for the next major earthquake.
Hundreds of children Thursday headed to the Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose to lean about earthquake safety and to take part in California's Great ShakeOut.
The students from the San Jose area dropped, covered and held on.
Organizers said the goal is to prevent disasters from becoming catastrophes.
People in the Bay Area are particularly aware of the dangers, since the Napa quake in August and the 25th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake Friday.
"The reminder is that we live in earthquake country," said Kent Fogelman, a seismologist. "It's not a question of if, but when and we need to be prepared."
VIDEO: San Francisco students and Mayor Lee participate in the Great California Shakeout drill
Once the drill was done, students were able to get some more hands on experiences at the Tech Museum's earthquake exhibits. That included the earthquake platform, where they felt different earthquakes from history, including the 6.9 magnitude Loma Prieta earthquake.
Organizers emphasized preparation, like creating a disaster plan that goes over what to do during the quake and what to do after the shaking stops.
The Red Cross is also at the museum handing out an emergency supplies checklists and whistles, something they say everyone should have in their emergency kit.
