Sunnylands hosting earthquake preparedness event
4:59 PM, Sep. 16, 2012
Written by Sherry Barkas
The Desert Sun
RANCHO MIRAGE— Dave Peters held up a small, solar-powered radio that can charge cell phones and iPads during an emergency while also providing access to the latest information through AM, FM and satellite radio stations.
Southern California Earthquake Center Headquarters in the Zumberge Hall of Science at the University of Southern California (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The radio was among numerous any items being given away or sold at the “Preparing for the Great California ShakeOut” event being held until 3:30 today at The Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands in Rancho Mirage.
The American Red Cross, Quake Safe Kits, the Coachella Valley Water District, Animal Samaritans and others had booths set up on the lawn while lectures and children’s activities were held inside the center.
The event, being held in advance of the annual Great California ShakeOut, scheduled for Oct. 18, was organized by Southern California Earthquake Center and the Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands.
“I think since the ShakeOut started we have many more people prepared for a major earthquake. But we want to make sure people are consistent about being prepared,” Robert De Groot, from the Earthquake Center, said.
The annual ShakeOut is conducted as a way to keep people from becoming complacent about being prepared, he said.
Beyond the reminder to “Drop, Cover and Hold On” during an earthquake, today’s event also offered information, supplies and where to get supplies people need to be part of the recovery process, he said.
“This is going to be a different place after it happens,” De Groot said.
Admission to today’s event is free.
There are activities and emergency vehicles on display for children in addition to the information booths and lectures.
The Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands is as 37977 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage.
Read more about the event in tomorrow’s Desert Sun.
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About James SmithJames is a father of four and grandfather to four cute little bugs. He and his wife Beautiful Gorgeous, of almost 30 years, have been prepping since 2003.
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