Interviewer: Kate, how are you connected with
the Great Southern California ShakeOut?
Kate Long: The OES Earthquake and Tsunami Program helped
developed this scenario, and OES is of course using
this scenario in Golden Guardian and for
the Great Southern California ShakeOut.
How is OES making use of the science that goes into this scenario?
The exciting thing about the science in the ShakeOut
scenario is the enthusiasm that we’re getting from all
sectors in terms of participating in the Great Southern
California ShakeOut. It’s really amazing that people are
responding to how important the situation is based on
the detail they know. We’ve been telling them for 30 years
about the probability and about what to do, but having
the science is really getting people inspired to do something.
So, Kate, the fact that this scenario is based on real
science has certainly made a difference, you would say?
The fact that the scenario is based on science has made
a big difference. The Southern California ShakeOut is
really meant to reach the public, business, schools,
people who don’t usually participate in Golden Guardian.
And knowing the details of the ShakeOut is really making
a difference in people’s excitement and interest in
getting involved, drilling, participating and getting prepared.
Looking at this great event for Southern California, what inspires
you the most about the ShakeOut or what are you the most proud about?
I’m most proud that the Great Southern California ShakeOut has
brought together so many different organizations from government
to business to organizations; the steering committee is working
with county affiliates. From every sector of society, people
are joining together in ways they haven’t before, and I think
the thing that will make us more prepared, as Southern
Californians, is understanding that we’re all in this together.
Absolutely. Thank you, Kate, for your time.
Thank you.