The city of Beverly Hills is encouraging residents to participate in the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill on Oct. 21. (Beverly Press/Park Labrea News file photo)

Following the city’s annual recognition of National Preparedness Month in September, Beverly Hills will join the state of California and the county and the city of Los Angeles to participate in the annual Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill at 10:21 a.m. on Oct. 21.

During the drill, participants are asked to stop what they are doing and react as if an earthquake has occurred by dropping to the ground, taking cover under something sturdy and holding on.

People inside city buildings during the drill will be directed to take cover.

The drill will last approximately two minutes and customer service for the public will be temporarily disrupted.

In addition to the safety drill, staff will participate in earthquake preparedness activities, including the activation of the Employee Emergency Response Team; rehearsing initial reporting and compiling information on city facility damage, injuries and department status; and opening the city’s Emergency Operations Center and Department Operations Center.

“In light of the recent earthquakes that have occurred globally, the city is committed to ensuring both the public and its staff are prepared if a disaster occurs,” said Meena Janmohamed, emergency management manager for Beverly Hills. “We encourage all residents and businesses to participate in this year’s drill so that they can take the correct action when the time comes to do so.”

The Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill will occur throughout the nation and several countries worldwide. To take part in the Great ShakeOut, individuals and organizations are encouraged to register by visiting shakeout.org.

For more information on earthquake preparedness, visit beverlyhills.org/preparedness or call (310)285-1014.