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Californians 'Drop, Cover And Hold' In Shakeout Earthquake Drill

LOS ANGELES (AP) —Californians have taken refuge under desks and tables in a statewide earthquake survival drill.

The "Great California Shakeout" simulated an earthquake at 10:21 a.m. Thursday, sending participants diving to the floor to practice the "drop, cover and hold" technique.

Organizers say 7.8 million people signed up for the drill, which this year expanded to include some residents of Nevada and Guam.

Cell Phones May Strain Network After Quake: KNX 1070's Jack Popejoy Reports

The drill includes practice responses by fire departments and other agencies. In the San Francisco region, sirens are sounding and all Bay Area Rapid Transit trains were expected to stop for one minute.

(© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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