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California officials said the Golden State experiences about 25,000 earthquakes each year, with many so small that they go unnoticed.
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However, “two or three earthquakes large enough to cause moderate damage to structures” do happen each year, according to the California Department of Conservation.
Those stronger quakes are earmarked as magnitude 5.5 or higher, state officials said.
State officials said it’s important to prepare for earthquakes ahead of time, especially if you live on or near an active fault line. San Bernardino County is located in an active seismic region with several faults throughout the area, including the San Andreas Fault.
Great California ShakeOut
San Bernardino County officials said at 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15, residents, businesses, schools and organizations are encouraged to participate in the Great California ShakeOut.
The Great ShakeOut provides an opportunity to practice protective actions that can help reduce injuries when an earthquake occurs.
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Authorities say that when the shaking begins, residents should:
- Drop to your hands and knees before the earthquake knocks you down.
- Cover your head and neck under a sturdy table or desk, if one is nearby.
- Hold on to your shelter until the shaking stops. If no shelter is available, continue protecting your head and neck with your arms.
Shift happens. Know what to do.
The Great ShakeOut is also a reminder that earthquake preparedness should continue beyond the drill. Before Oct. 15, take time to:
- Review your household or workplace emergency plan.
- Check your emergency supplies.
- Secure heavy furniture and other objects that could fall or move during an earthquake.
- Identify safe places to Drop, Cover and Hold On.
How to participate in the Great ShakeOut
- Register as a participant at ShakeOut.org/california/register/.
- Visit ShakeOut.org/california for resources to help families, businesses, schools, faith-based organizations, community groups and others participate in the ShakeOut.
- Visit ShakeOut.org/california/resources for additional information.
- Practice the Drop, Cover, and Hold On drill.
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Great California ShakeOut drill prepares residents for ‘The Big One’
Reporting by Rene Ray De La Cruz, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
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This story was originally published October 12, 2026 at 3:05 AM.