Union School District joined millions around the globe in participating in the Great ShakeOut, an annual earthquake drill emphasizing the importance of earthquake preparedness. We were amongst the 10.5 million individuals in the state of California who participated in the earthquake drill. This year's event holds special significance as we commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake, a stark reminder of the importance of being ready for any emergency.

In USD, we prioritize safety by conducting regular drills each month throughout the school year. These drills ensure that students, staff, and visitors know how to respond in the event of an actual emergency. 

On November 17, Guadalupe Elementary School was able to showcase their skills and preparation, with
an NBC News crew on campus to capture their earthquake preparedness response! The crew filmed live footage of the earthquake drill and even interviewed two insightful third-grade students about the importance of practicing for earthquakes. Teachers then debriefed with students after the drill to reflect on how the emergency response went for their class.

As we practice routine emergency response drills at school, we encourage families to continue the conversation about earthquake safety at home and to practice what to do when at home. Reviewing and practicing "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" with your children reinforces the skills they learned during the drill and helps build confidence in responding to emergencies.

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Learn more about earthquake preparedness and sign up for earthquake alerts visit https://earthquake.ca.gov/

From Santa Clara County: Sign-up for emergency alerts to be sent directly to your phone, establish a reunification plan for all members of your family, and prepare an emergency supply kit so that your family is ready for any number of scenarios. For more information, visit preparescc.org or view this video: https://youtu.be/MKILThtPxQs.