Are you ready for the Big One?

That is the premise of the Great California ShakeOut, a drill City of Mission Viejo employees and some local schools and businesses will participate in at 10:19 a.m. on October 19.  The annual ShakeOut provides people with an opportunity to practice how to protect themselves during earthquakes.

Unless you are driving, the simple answer if the ground starts to shake is to drop, take cover and hold on.

If there isn't a table or desk near you, drop to the ground in an inside corner of the building and cover your head and neck with your hands and arms. Don't try to run to another room just to get under a table. If in bed, stay there. Hold on until the shaking stops. Protect your head with a pillow.

If outdoors, stay outdoors, as injuries are more likely if you try to move around. Try to stay clear of wires, buildings or anything else that could fall on you. If there's nothing sturdy to get under, sit until the shaking stops.

If driving, coast to the side of the road, stop and set the parking brake. Avoid bridges and overhead hazards.

See more tips to protect you and your family at http://shakeout.org.