Millions of residents, students and office workers in Los Angeles and Orange counties and across the state took part in the 17th annual Great California ShakeOut drill Thursday, following instructions to “drop, cover and hold on” for a simulated earthquake designed to encourage disaster preparedness.

The drill simulated a response to a massive 7.8-magnitude earthquake on the southern San Andreas fault in an effort to teach residents what to do when a large temblor strikes and how to prepare for such a disaster.

“It’s not a matter of if an earthquake of this size will happen — but when,” according to the ShakeOut website. “And it is possible that it will happen in our lifetime.”

Organizers of the annual event said preparing for such a devastating quake is essential to limit the loss of l

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