As part of its efforts to support emergency preparedness, Walmart will participate in The Great California ShakeOut, making it the largest corporate participant as 279 Walmart stores across California and four West Coast states will join the drill at 10:20 a.m. on October 20th.
On October 20th, individuals, families, schools, businesses, nonprofits, governments, neighborhoods, and various organizations will conduct ‘Drop, Cover and Hold On’ drills throughout the state. This annual event is produced by the Earthquake Country Alliance, the Southern California Earthquake Center, Cal EMA, FEMA, U.S. Geological Survey, American Red Cross, State Farm Insurance, and the California Earthquake Authority.
Leading up to the event, Walmart will encourage Californians to prepare for a disaster with a list of emergency supplies available at Walmart, including a first aid kit, weather radio, and bottled water. The company has also been working to increase awareness among its more than 106,000 associates in California, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, and Alaska.
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“At Walmart, helping communities is what we do every day,” said Kim Sentovich, Senior Vice President for Walmart’s Pacific Division. “We hope this earthquake preparedness demonstration helps our customers, neighbors, and associates better prepare when disaster strikes, and lessen the impact that these disasters can have on our families and communities.”
“The Great California ShakeOut is thrilled to have the participation of Walmart in what will be the largest earthquake drill ever,” said Mark Benthien, executive director of the Earthquake Country Alliance, which organizes the ShakeOut. “As this year’s largest corporate participant, Walmart is demonstrating how seriously they take their responsibility for the safety of their employees, customers and the communities they serve.”
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The Great California ShakeOut was created to help people and organizations become better prepared before the next big earthquake, and for everyone to practice how to protect themselves when it happens. More than 7.9 million Californians participated in 2010, practicing ‘Drop, Cover, and Hold On’ and event organizers believe over 8 million will participate in this year’s drill.
For more information about The Great California ShakeOut, visit www.shakeout.org.
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