Each year, in October, the State of California sponsors the ‘Great California Shake-Out,’ an event which encourages Californians to respond to earthquakes in a safe and secure manner. This year’s ‘test drill’ event will be held Thursday, October 16, at 10:16 AM. Millions of people participate in this worldwide event by practicing the ‘Drop, Cover and Hold’ earthquake safety procedures at home, work or school. Information and registration for the Great Shake-Out is available at www.shakeout.org
But what happens after an earthquake?
The Diocesan Office of Emergency Operations Collaborative (EOC) continues to promote a ’12 Tubs’ preparedness program whereby each parish in the dicoese is asked to assemble 12 tubs of essential items that are most commonly needed by victims of natural disasters immediately after an earthquake, but also after wildfires, floods, blizzards, thunderstorms and other natural climate phenomena. Items typically include 100-year water cans, adult sweatpants sets, diapers, canned/powdered milk, toothpaste/toothbrushes, hand sanitizers/towelettes, towels/wash cloths, blankets, canned food/vegetables, fruit with pull top lids, canned meat with pull top lids/metal keys (tuna, SPAM), and Tylenol packets (adult/children). These items can then be distributed immediately to victims of natural disasters in that parish area, while other emergency response agencies such as the diocese, itself, County offices of Emergency Services, the American Red Cross and other emergency volunteer organizations coordinate a more fulsome response with long-term supplies and assistance to those impacted.
“As a major community faith-based partner responding to the wildfires in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, the Trona earthquakes, the floods in Low Desert, the snowstorms in the mountain areas, our ministry work has taught us from experience what supplies are most critically needed immediately after such natural disasters,” stated Ann Marie Gallant, diocesan EOC Director. “We have learned that basic items such as warm clothing, socks, diapers, canned food and basic hygiene items are essential at this first line of response to assist those affected by these climate emergencies.”
Since the program’s 2024 launch, more than one-third of the parishes in the diocese have assembled their ‘12 Tubs’ and it is expected that by early 2026 all 94 parishes will have accomplished this goal.
“In these challenging times,” said Monsignor Gerard Lopez, Vicar General of the diocese, “we cannot overlook the needs of those impacted by natural disasters, which occur regardless of other socio-economic, world-wide events. As followers of Christ, we are all called upon to live the message of Matthew: 25, living Christ’s teachings on stewardship and the practice of one’s faith through our actions toward the most vulnerable.”