write a good news story about this activity and make sure the first part is focused on what's happening in Pasadena during the event: The ShakeOut event is an annual earthquake preparedness drill held on the third Thursday of October, with the upcoming 2023 event scheduled for October 19. Millions of individuals globally participate in drills at various locations, such as work, school, or home. The event aims to enhance earthquake readiness rather than predict actual earthquakes. Participants are encouraged to practice the "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" technique at 10:19 a.m. local time on the designated day. While the main event occurs in October, drills can be registered and conducted at any time during the year. The ShakeOut provides helpful audio and video resources, and participants can register their drills and receive a Certificate of Participation.

Written responses from Fire Chief Chad Augustin

What are the key objectives and specific goals set for this year's ShakeOut event in Pasadena, and how do they reflect the ongoing efforts to enhance earthquake preparedness in the region? 


At a minimum, we are asking all city employees to drop, cover & hold on for one minute.  An e-mail was sent to our over 2,000 plus personnel to remind them to update their disaster kits at home and work, ask about their kids school plans and cache of supplies until parents arrive and to discuss communications plans and an out of state contact if phones are not working.  We also ask Supervisors to review City department plans and practice using our disaster notification protocol.


How has the level of community engagement and participation in this year's Great ShakeOut in Pasadena/ compared to previous years, and what impact does it have on improving earthquake readiness? 


The farther we get from our last earthquake the more complacent people get and it is vital we turn that into compliance by building disaster kits, making plans and getting trained.  It is not a matter of if but when we have our big earthquake that we are well overdue for


Could you provide insights into the educational initiatives and activities planned for this year's ShakeOut event in Pasadena to inform residents and students about earthquake safety? 


The Pasadena Christian School requests the Fire Dept. To observe their drill every year and they have great plans in place.  We encourage other businesses, schools, ecumenical groups and individuals to have discussions with neighbors and partnering organizations to discuss resources that can be shared after an earthquake or any disaster.  It is all about neighbor helping neighbor


Are there any unique challenges or considerations that Pasadena faces this year regarding earthquake preparedness, and how is the ShakeOut addressing these specific issues? Please go to ShakeOut.org for updated tips, plans, disaster exercises, etc.


In terms of this year's ShakeOut event, what developments or enhancements have been made to local emergency response systems and infrastructure in Pasadena to better withstand earthquakes and manage their aftermath?

We have learned so much from previous large-scale earthquakes across the world.  There are predictable damage patterns to buildings and this allows us to have a high degree of confidence for victim survivability profile.  Time is of the essence and it is vitally important to get reliable damage assessment information throughout the city quickly so that a coordinated effort can be initiated to save salvageable lives.
Specifically, Pasadena Fire Department (PFD) will being working in conjunction with other fire agencies in LA County to practice essential skills that should occur immediately following an earthquake.  
Crews are trained to perform “windshield damage assessments.”  These assessments can be quickly relayed to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), as well as throughout the County and State through a platform called Survey123.  This platform allows crews to quickly assess for structural damage to homes and businesses.  In a large disaster, this information can be transmitted to the Office of Emergency Services (OES) in Sacramento.  This is so important in a disaster, as resources will be drawn down quickly.  They will take all available information throughout the areas impacted and determine where to prioritize sending assistance.  The ability of PFD members to collect and transmit reliable and accurate information will literally save lives.   In Pasadena, these damage assessments will allow Fire leadership to quickly have a bird’s eye view of the City, as well as prioritize building to search for victims.  
The morning of the great shakeout, all PFD members will immediately begin performing damage assessments in their districts.   
Today also allows us the opportunity to share great city news.  Pasadena recently hired a full time Emergency Manager.  Her name is Nallely Procopio.  She comes to Pasadena with a wealth of knowledge and is excited to get to work to help educate and prepare our community in advance of the next disaster.