On Thursday, October 17, 2013, students at San Francisco’s Sunset Elementary School on 41st Avenue participated in the Great California ShakeOut and crouched under their desks when Principal Sophie Lee made the Earthquake Drill announcement over the loud speakers at 10:17 am. Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White, Deputy Police Chief Lyn Tomioka and Supervisor Katy Tang spoke to one fifth grade class prior to the earthquake drill about their own experiences, the importance of practicing the drill, and being prepared with having emergency supplies and kits ready at home. They also participated at Sunset School and dropped to the ground and took cover. After the drill, students evacuated out of the classroom and into the schoolyard, where they were commended for their efficiency. One student in Mr. Dylan Riley’s fifth-grade class said after the drill that he feels prepared for an earthquake. He said his parents have told him stories about where they were on that shaky day in 1989.
