Earthquake drill to be held Thursday

When an imaginary earthquake strikes at 10:21 a.m. Thursday, Sonoma County residents will join millions across the state who will drop, cover and hold onto whatever's near them.

Those three steps are the recommended way to stay safe during an earthquake, according to the Southern California-based Earthquake Country Alliance, which organized the drill, called the California ShakeOut.

Disaster drills will be held across the county.

Santa Rosa City Schools officials are asking campuses to participate in duck and cover drills, and some campuses will practice a full-scale fire evacuation, said Jennie Bruneman, director of maintenance and operation.

"Almost every year we have had almost all schools participate," she said.

The City of Sonoma's Disaster Council put out the call for city residents and workers to hold drills between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m.

Town of Windsor staffers will get instructions on what to do in case of an earthquake and will be encouraged to participate in the morning drill.

The event comes four days after the 21-year anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake, which struck Oct. 17, 1989.

For more information, go to http://www.shakeout.org.

-- Julie Johnson and Kerry Benefield