Riverbank residents are urged to participate in the Great California ShakeOut Earthquake Drill on Oct. 16.

On Thursday, Oct. 16 at 10:16 a.m., millions of Californians will participate in the largest earthquake drill ever. The Great California ShakeOut has become an important annual statewide event.

This exercise is an opportunity to practice how to be safe during and after an earthquake. Valuable resources are available at www.shakeout.org including guidelines and downloadable emergency supply checklists (food, water, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies and special items for medical conditions).

Riverbank City Hall is registered and ready to practice with the rest of the state on Thursday morning. City employees will perform the “drop, cover, and hold on” drill for two minutes. After the two minute drill, they will evacuate to a pre-designated area; customers visiting City Hall will be encouraged to participate.

Community residents can participate in the Great California ShakeOut in their own homes as well (participate by registering at www.ShakeOut.org); the best way to instinctively and immediately do the right thing when the shaking begins is to practice.