Earthquakes are a real and ever-present danger, especially for those of us in earthquake-prone areas like California. But how prepared are we, really? As International Shake-out Day approaches, we had a conversation with Stefanie Rae Arizabal, a practicing structural engineer with experience in disaster response and collaborations with FEMA and Cal OES (California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services). She shared some invaluable insights about the importance of disaster preparedness, both on a personal level and within her work.
What is International Shake-out Day?
For Stefanie, this event is more than just a drill. “It’s a reminder of a traumatic event,” she reflects about the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake that shook the San Francisco Bay Area 35 years ago to this day. That disaster left a lasting impact on the region, but also a stark reminder that another big earthquake is not a matter of ‘if,’ but ‘when’. The Shake-out Day is about staying prepared—knowing what to do when the next big earthquake strikes.
Why Are Earthquake Drills Important?
Stefanie explains that “awareness is the most important thing”. Participating in earthquake drills helps us think through critical questions:
Critical Question 1: Where will you be when the next big one hits?
What will you do if communication systems fail, roads are cut off, or you are in a damaged building? When disaster strikes, having a plan can save lives. Stefanie reiterates that during the 1989 earthquake, there was a fortunate coincidence: because the earthquake happened during the World Series, fewer people were on the roads, and casualties were minimized. But, as she reminds us, “We can’t rely on similar luck.” That’s why participation in earthquake drills is vital—it prepares us for the worst circumstances.
Critical Question 2: What is the role of structural engineering in earthquake safety?
Stefanie’s work as a structural engineer has brought her face-to-face with disaster recovery. She explains how in California, earthquake and fire resilience are at the forefront of building design. “We have to consider earthquakes and fires when designing buildings here,” she says. Structures need to be able to withstand the shaking of an earthquake, as well as increasingly prevalent wildfires that are prone to devastate large parts of the state.
But it’s not just about designing buildings. Stefanie emphasizes that structural engineers need to be just as prepared as the structures we build.
Critical Question 3: Why do search and rescue include more than just technical skills?
Stefanie’s experience in search and rescue taught her that while technical knowledge is essential, the ability to make decisions in high-pressure situations is equally as critical. “It’s the opposite of what we do in an office,” she explains. “In our day-to-day jobs, we sit behind desks, designing to decimals,” she notes, “but in these types of emergencies, it’s about making quick, life-saving decisions.” Being a first responder requires quick thinking and the ability to handle extreme situations—whether it’s rescuing trapped people or assessing structural damage.
Stefanie joined the Structural Engineers Association of Northern California’s (SEAONC) Disaster Emergency Services Committee in 2019, and has since worked to spread awareness about the need for more engineers in disaster response. “Our engineers are best suited to evaluate structures after an event,” she says, emphasizing the importance of having trained professionals ready to assist when disaster strikes.
Stefanie’s reminder for International Shake-out Day
When asked what International Shake-out Day means to her, Stefanie summed it up with one word: Preparedness. “What are you going to do when it happens? How are you going to be prepared?” she asks. Having an actionable plan could make all the difference when disaster strikes.
On this International Shake-out Day, let’s take this time to reflect, prepare, and ensure that when the next earthquake hits, we’re ready to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities.
To learn more about International Shake-out Day, visit shakeout.org and view their available resources.