Cal OES brings 7.0 Magnitude Earthquake Simulator to Palm Springs in hopes of sharing earthquake preparedness tips ahead of ‘Great California ShakeOut’

An earthquake simulator, capable of replicating a 7.0 magnitude earthquake made a stop in Palm Springs today ahead of tomorrow's 'Great California Shakeout,' where millions of Californians will run through an earthquake drill at 10:19 a.m.

We're taking a closer look at how this seismic demonstration is aimed at helping Californians better prepare for an earthquake. 

Rick Weingard, a volunteer for Palm Springs' Community Emergency Response Team said, "I've been through a couple of quakes in the valleys since I've been here."

With the San Andreas Fault running parallel to some parts of the Coachella Valley, it begs the question, when are we due for the ‘Next Big One?' 

"Oh, gosh, they happened in early 2000s, 7.2 Hector Mine Quake followed by a Big Bear Quake, which was six point something," added Weingard.

The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is setting up a 7.0 magnitude earthquake simulator in different cities throughout the state to share some earthquake preparedness tips. 

Although earthquakes are unpredictable, Cal OES is working to provide timely alerts for significant seisms.

"We have seismic stations throughout the state that once a fault ruptures, we're able to quickly send a signal out...That will give an alert and warning to people and give them crucial seconds before the shaking of an earthquake," said Derek Lambeth with the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services.

This preparation can be lifesaving. 

"Putting together a go-kit, some of your important information, maybe money or family heirlooms, also surveying your home, what items can be fastened or bolted down, what items might have the potential to fall on your head," said Lambeth.

You can visit earthquake.ca.gov to download the 'MyShake App' to receive alerts from 'Earthquake Warning California.' According to Cal OES they 'Use ground motion sensors from across the state to detect earthquakes before humans can feel them and can notify Californians to “Drop, Cover and Hold On” in advance of an earthquake.'