LA Transit Drills for Earthquakes, Protecting Riders
Foothill Transit staff joined 10.7 million Californians in statewide earthquake drill
Foothill Transit Joins Earthquake Drill
Foothill Transit participated in the Great California ShakeOut earthquake drill on October 17, 2024, joining 10.7 million Californians in practicing emergency response procedures. The agency's staff took part in the statewide drill at 10:17 AM, demonstrating Drop, Cover, and Hold On techniques designed to protect people during seismic events. Foothill Transit serves 2 million people across 327 square miles in the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys.
Emergency Preparedness Context
The Great ShakeOut drill started in Southern California in 2008 with 5.5 million participants and has since grown into an international earthquake preparedness initiative. Transit agencies throughout California participate annually as part of their emergency planning requirements, according to federal transit safety standards. California faces significant earthquake risk with thousands of seismic events occurring each year, making regular preparedness drills essential for public transit operations. The drill helps agencies ensure they can maintain service continuity and protect passengers during emergencies.
Drill Participation Details
Foothill Transit announced its participation on October 16, 2024, one day before the scheduled drill. The agency didn't specify how many employees took part or whether any service adjustments were made during the exercise. Drop, Cover, and Hold On is the internationally recognized best practice for earthquake safety, involving dropping to hands and knees, taking cover under sturdy furniture, and holding on until shaking stops. Since the ShakeOut program launched, over 400 million people worldwide have participated in the drills.
Implementation Timeline
The drill took place at exactly 10:17 AM on October 17, 2024, with participants across California conducting the exercise simultaneously. Transit agencies typically coordinate their participation with statewide emergency management officials to ensure consistent timing and procedures. Foothill Transit's participation was part of its ongoing emergency preparedness program, though officials didn't provide details about follow-up training or evaluation of the drill.
Rider Safety Impact
The drill reinforces Foothill Transit's commitment to maintaining operations during emergencies that could affect the 2 million residents in its service area. Regular earthquake preparedness training helps transit staff respond effectively to protect passengers during seismic events. Riders can stay informed about service updates and emergency procedures through Moovit, which provides real-time information for Foothill Transit routes throughout the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys.
