Earthquake Preparedness

On October 21, 2010 at precisely 10:21 a.m. the students and staff of the San Jose Job Corps Center experienced what could happen if the San Francisco Bay Area were to experience an earthquake of magnitude 7.0, similar to the Loma Prieta quake of 1989.

“Drop! Cover! Hold on!” These are the watchwords for the Great California ShakeOut (ShakeOut.org). Over the past months at the Center’s town hall events, staff briefings and student dorm meetings, the Center has come to learn more about what to expect and how to act during a potentially devastating earthquake.

The purpose of the event is to increase student and staff awareness of the importance of being prepared for an earthquake and to provide information on the do’s and don’ts.  Additionally, it provides an opportunity to assess and practice the Center’s ability to handle such a disaster.

“As residents in an area so prone to the possibility of an earthquake, I cannot express how important this event is for our staff and students,” emphasizes Leslie Gilroy, Center Director of San Jose Job Corps. “I am so proud of the Center and in particular, Peter Corless for driving such an event as this to ensure our preparedness. I am excited that we are a part of this event. My vision is that this will be an event that we take part in every year!”