On October 20 at 10:20 a.m., millions of people will participate in the 2011 Great California ShakeOut!

The ShakeOut Drill is scheduled for 10:20 AM on October 20, 2011. This means that wherever you are at that moment - at home, at work, at school, anywhere - you should Drop, Cover, and Hold On as if there were a major earthquake occurring at that very moment, and stay in this position for at least 60 seconds.

There will not be any freeway closures, power outages, or other simulated effects of the hypothetical earthquake, unless your local government or utility company specifically notifies you about something of this nature.

The ShakeOut is not something you need to leave work to participate in - in fact, participating at work is encouraged! Businesses, organizations, schools, and government agencies can register and have their employees practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On or have a more extensive emergency drill.

The main goal of the ShakeOut is to get Californians prepared for major earthquakes, so use the ShakeOut as an opportunity to learn what to do before, during, and after an earthquake. Visit http://www.earthquakecountry.info/roots/seven_steps.html for tips on how to prepare, protect, and recover.

Anyone in California can participate, from a single individual at their home to a major company at the office. Talk to your coworkers, neighbors and friends about the ShakeOut and encourage their participation.

Sign up for free at www.ShakeOut.org/register to be counted in the ShakeOut Drill, get email updates, and more.