Dear University community:

At Humboldt State University, we take the safety of our University community seriously. Please join me Thursday, Oct. 20 at 10:20 a.m., in participating in the Great California ShakeOut Drill (shakeout.org/california), an annual event to practice what to do when you feel an earthquake.

I encourage you to set your cell phone or watch alarm for 10:20 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 20. At that time, we should all drop to the ground or floor, cover ourselves by getting under a table or desk (or if outside protect your head with an arm), and hold on for sixty seconds. Drop, cover, and hold.

To see videos prepared by HSU Geology Professor Emerita Lori Dengler about exactly what to do, please visit humboldt.edu/risksafety/node/68. This emergency management website also has good summaries about how to respond in many other types of emergency.

A video from California Shakeout, designed to be played during the drill, is at youtube.com/watch?v=ijKGH3WKo3Q.

California has had more than 35 earthquakes over 6.0 in the last century, many of which resulted in the loss of life and significant property damage. We live in and on a dynamic part of the planet, and planning is an important way to reduce the risks.

Thank you for practicing and preparing.

Sincerely yours,

Lisa A. Rossbacher, Ph.D.
President