Belvedere City Manager’s Blog

Emergency Operations Center
Marin County / Operational Area
3501 Civic Center Drive, Room 266
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 473-5194/7392 Fax (415) 473-5590

EXERCISE ONLY

Earthquake Strikes San Francisco Bay Area Affecting Marin
For Immediate Release

Contact: Matt Bronson
Date: October 21, 2008 Title: Marin County EOC PIO
Phone: (415) 473-5194/7392

San Rafael - At 10:00 a.m. PST a Richter scale magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck along the Hayward Fault.  The earthquake created a horizontal offset of up to ten feet along the entire 62-mile length of the fault disrupting utilities and transportation systems and causing structures to collapse.

Strong aftershocks are almost guaranteed. These aftershocks may cause additional damage to structures that are already unsound. Residents are encouraged to turn off their utilities only if they smell gas and remain outside of their homes until they can be assessed for safety.
If you have sustained significant injuries you may attempt to call 911 for assistance.  If phones are not working in your area, proceed to a fire station, police station or hospital for assistance.  If you are unharmed, check on your neighbors to see if they are alright. Do not enter any structure or put yourself in a position where you may become injured.
Tune to your local radio or television station for more information and updates.

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EXERCISE ONLY

On Thursday, Marin County and its 11 Cities and Towns will participate in a Countywide Emergency Preparedness Exercise.  Operation Silver Sentinel will take place 2 days after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake along the Hayward Fault.  This blog will post information and press release information leading up to, during, and after the exercise.

THIS IS AN EXERCISE ONLY - THIS IS AN EXERCISE ONLY

At 10:01 AM PST there was a 6.9 earthquake along the Hayward Fault.  Initial damage estimates are high.  There are many injuries being reported and communications have been significantly impacted.  Fortunately, the internet is working for the time being.

This post includes a link to footage that was captured by Novato Public Access when the event occurred.  The Civic Center has suffered significant damage - we expect to activate the Alternate EOC in the Jail within the next few hours.  We will provide additional information as soon as it is available.

http://strm-prod1.marin.org:85/JK/OES_Earthquake_Intro.wmv

THIS IS AN EXERCISE ONLY - THIS IS AN EXERCISE ONLY