Mission Viejo will test its emergency alert system on Oct. 20

As part of the annual Great California ShakeOut, the City of Mission Viejo will test its mass-notification system AlertOC with calls, texts and emails to residents at 10:20 am on October 20.  The drill will replicate a big earthquake requiring thousands of numbers to be called simultaneously.

The distinctive feature of AlertOC is the ability for people to register multiple contact methods and addresses. Registrations of cell phone and alternate numbers dramatically increase the ability to reach the greatest number of community members within minutes. This enables landlines, cell phones and email addresses to be incorporated into a single notification system.  Mission Viejo residents can do their part to prepare for emergencies by registering for AlertOC at AlertOC.com.

In addition, the annual ShakeOut provides folks 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.

Learn more on our emergency preparedness page.