Biola University hosted the Southern California 2019 Great ShakeOut full-scale exercise in partnership with Earthquake Country Alliance Southern California and local emergency response teams on Thursday, October 17th. Biola is the first college to partner with Early Warning Labs to implement a campus-wide ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning system and was selected as this year’s Southern California ShakeOut media event host due to being a model institution for earthquake preparedness.
“Another major earthquake within our region is a matter of when, not if,” said Biola’s Chief of Campus Safety John Ojeisekhoba. “Well thought out comprehensive initiatives and frequent drills are key to a robust earthquake preparedness plan. Drills allow people and organizations to assess how well things would operate and presents the opportunity to correct any problems before the occurrence of a major earthquake.”
Biola University hosted the 2014 Great California ShakeOut. As a result, Biola has increased Biola’s emergency response services and earthquake preparedness due to the university’s heavy reliance on immediate assistance from external agencies during the 2014 exercise. Biola is the first higher education institution to implement the ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning System campus-wide. Other improvements include seismic assessment and retrofits of campus buildings, new emergency response teams and communication systems including awareness initiatives, guidebooks, a campus public address system, and a full functional emergency operations center including a standby generator.
“Biola is a perfect example of the ShakeOut message for everyone to take action and improve their earthquake resiliency,” said Margaret Vinci, Earthquake Country Alliance (ECA) SoCal Region Co-Chair and California Institute of Technology. “With the addition of the new ShakeAlert Early Warning System and EOC, response procedures and the retrofit of several structures, Biola has made their university a safer place for their academic community and has set the bar for others.”
At approximately 10:17 am, Biola triggered the ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning campus-wide — a mass notification that an earthquake had occurred and to expect shaking, and to drop, cover and hold on. During the full scale exercise simulation, several areas of Biola’s campus suffered damage including the library where about 100 students were studying with some injured unable to exit. Those participating in the rescue and support effort drills included the Biola Emergency Management Team, Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD), Chief Executive Office, Office of Emergency Management, trained volunteers from La Mirada and Norwalk Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), Disaster Management Area E, HAM amateur radio operators, American Red Cross, and Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD).
The BigShaker truck earthquake simulator was on-site and open for students, staff, media, and participants to practice “Drop, Cover, Hold On.”
Those in attendance at the Southern California 2019 Great ShakeOut included:
- Margaret Vinci – Earthquake Country Alliance SoCal Region Co-Chair and California Institute of Technology
- Lee Wilhite – Biola University Vice President of Enrollment, Marketing and Communications
- Janice Hahn – County of Los Angeles Supervisor
- State Senator Bob Archuleta – California State Senator 32nd District
- Mayor Steve De Ruse – City of La Mirada
- Dr. Ken Hudnut – U.S. Geological Survey Geophysicist
- Ryan Arba – California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services
- Chris Nance – California Earthquake Authority Chief Communications
- Officer Patrick Errett – County of Los Angeles Fire Assistant
- Chief John Ojeiskhoba – Biola University Associate Vice President and Chief of Campus Safety
- Veronica Verde – U.S Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency Region 9 External Affairs Office
- Captain James Tatreau – Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Norwalk Station
The Great ShakeOut provides organizations, schools, businesses, government offices and agencies, first responders, emergency managers and the general public with the opportunity to practice the essential life saving “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” immediate response to an earthquake, and to focus on initiating or reviewing their earthquake emergency plans and preparations. Click here for more information.
Source and Photo Credit: Biola University