City Officials Launch OK/HELP Window Sign Program For Earthquake Preparedness

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Just days before the 5th annual Great ShakeOut event, Los Angeles Council Member Mitchell Englander partnered with the Los Angeles Fire Department, the U.S. Geological Survey and American Red Cross to launch the OK/HELP sign program.

A press conference was held Monday morning to demonstrate how to display the window signs, which are equipped with simple instructions for residents in the immediate aftermath of a major earthquake.

The sign is meant to be kept near the front of the home, and following an earthquake, the users should tear off either the OK or HELP sign and post it in their front window indicating to emergency personnel and neighbors the status of their home.

If the HELP sign is displayed, first responders will contact firefighters to bring further aid.

The OK/HELP program is part of the broader message about the necessity of emergency members to be able to respond to the most urgent cases.

The American Red Cross Earthquake Application is another way to indicate whether people are safe. If the user taps the "I'm Safe" button, it will post a message on all social media networks to let friends and family know he/she is safe.

Millions of people across the country will "Drop, Cover and Hold On" on Oct. 18 at 10:18 a.m. during the largest earthquake drill in history.

Last year, more than 12.5 million people participated in the Great ShakeOut.

To register to participate in the event and to find a wide range of resources on earthquake preparedness, visit the Great California ShakeOut.