While there’s nothing to be done to prevent a large quake, there’s a lot that can be done to get prepared for one. Preparation, experts also say, can greatly increase the chance of survival for individuals, institutions and cities.

Enter the Great Southern California ShakeOut, billed as the largest earthquake preparedness activity in U.S. history. On Nov. 13, institutions all over Southern California will respond to the scenario of a magnitude 7.8 earthquake on the southern San Andreas fault. At USC, the drill is being used to conduct a campuswide worst-case emergency simulation to test the university’s emergency response systems as well as communications designed to provide information and instructions to students, faculty, staff, parents and alumni.

A big focus of the exercise is on personal safety, both at work and at home. Training exercises concentrate on practicing the recommended “Drop, Cover and Hold On” procedure during the actual shaking. An emergency fair in September offered education, information and emergency supplies (complete with backpack) for students, faculty and staff.

Here are some excellent resources for people who live in Southern California, and for those who have loved ones in the area:

• www.shakeout.org – This Web site is packed with information and resources, everything you need to know about earthquake preparedness and safety

• www.shakeout.org/dropcoverholdon – Describes what to do in an earthquake

• www.usc.edu/emergencyprep – Describes USC’s resources for emergency and general safety

• http://emergency.usc.edu – This site will provide information on USC during an emergency.

– Susan Heitman