Camarillo and Moorpark residents can practice earthquake safety Thursday, Oct. 15, at 10:15 a.m. during the Great California ShakeOut, a statewide drill that draws millions of participants each year.

The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is urging Central Coast residents to join the exercise by practicing the "Drop, Cover and Hold On" protocol at home, school or work. The drill is voluntary.

Skip the doorway

Phillip Labra, a Cal OES representative, told KEYT that one of the most common mistakes during an earthquake is running toward a doorway.

"What people kind of naturally do is they'll run or walk towards a doorway. And in that action you'll actually fall, injure yourself potentially," Labra said.

Doors can swing open and closed during strong shaking, he said. Instead, Cal OES recommends dropping to hands and knees, covering the head and neck under a sturdy table or desk, and holding on until shaking stops.

People who use wheelchairs or walkers should lock their wheels when possible, cover their head and neck, and hold on, according to Cal OES.

Drivers and coastal residents

Cal OES advises drivers who feel shaking to pull over, set the parking brake and wait. Drivers should avoid stopping beneath overpasses, bridges or power lines.

For residents near the Ventura County coastline, Labra said a strong or prolonged earthquake, a loud ocean roar or water that suddenly recedes are natural tsunami warning signs. Residents who notice those signs should move inland or to higher ground immediately, without waiting for an official alert.

Prepare before it shakes

Cal OES Director Caroline Thomas Jacobs said in an Oct. 7 press release that the agency is committed to reaching communities across the state with earthquake preparedness tools.

The agency recommends securing heavy furniture, keeping emergency supplies of water, food and medications on hand, and establishing a family communication plan. California's Earthquake Early Warning System and the free MyShake app can deliver seconds of advance warning when shaking is detected, though alerts are not guaranteed to reach everyone before strong shaking begins.

Residents can register for the ShakeOut drill and find earthquake safety information at ShakeOut.org.