Letter: Remember to Drop, Cover, and Hold On!

Editor,

It has been nearly two decades since the Northridge Earthquake gave a wake-up call to all of us in the San Fernando Valley about disaster preparedness. Working with Congressman Howard Berman to get emergency assistance and facilitate our community's recovery became my life for several years after that quake hit us (click here to read) and the experience has made me extra vigilant about preparedness.

While the thought of a major quake striking our community again is alarming, each of us can take steps to be prepared for the worst, and have a plan in place to better protect our families, our pets and our property.

We in the San Fernando Valley know all too well about the need to be prepared for a major earthquake. To raise awareness about how to prepare for and react to an earthquake, there will be a statewide earthquake drill, known as the Great California ShakeOut, this week on Thursday, October 20 at 10:20 a.m. This will be the largest earthquake drill in history, enabling people to think about and practice their response to a serious quake. For further information, please watch this video or go to my website and click on the Register link to sign up to participate. I hope you will join me in this effort.

Remember - Drop, Cover, and Hold On!

Sincerely,
Bob Blumenfield
Assemblymember, 40th District