Stephanie Stone (415) 379-5121
sstone@calacademy.org

Andrew Ng (415) 379-5123
ang@calacademy.org

DON'T BE A FOOL, BE PREPARED!

The California Academy of Sciences holds Earthquake Preparedness Day on Saturday, April 1

The California Academy of Sciences building (above) was severely damaged in the 1906 earthquake.

SAN FRANCISCO (February 22, 2006) – One hundred years ago, on April 18, 1906, San Francisco was shaken by a massive earthquake. Although the quake lasted less than a minute, it caused the biggest natural disaster the country had ever seen. To commemorate the events of that infamous day, the California Academy of Sciences is holding Earthquake Preparedness Day on Saturday, April 1. Visitors can learn what to do before, during, and after the next big quake. Puppet shows, fire trucks, and model-building programs will keep children entertained, while talks by geologists and firefighters will provide valuable information for the whole family.

At 11:30 am and 3 pm, join the Academy for the premiere of a new puppet show, Quake, Rattle, and Roll, that follows Doggy-Dog and friends in their quest to be earthquake-safe. From 1 - 4 pm, members of the honorable San Francisco Fire Department will be on hand to show visitors a real fire truck and describe the challenges of their work. At 1 pm, join Lt. Erica Arteseros of the Fire Department as she explains what families can do to prepare for the next big quake, and at 2 pm, join a lecture by Stephen Tobriner, Ph.D., as he explores the history of seismic engineering and architecture in San Francisco as revealed in his new book Bracing for Disaster. Finally, at 4 pm, Academy educator Carol Tang teaches families how to make fault models and explains how different faults move the earth.

The California Academy of Sciences, including Steinhart Aquarium and the Natural History Museum, is open to the public at 875 Howard Street. Admission to the Academy at 875 Howard Street is: $7 for adults, $4.50 for youth ages 12 to 17, Seniors ages 65+ and students with valid ID, $2 for children ages four to 11 and children ages three and younger will be admitted free of charge. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. www.calacademy.org (415) 379-8000.

The California Academy of Sciences, the fourth largest natural history museum in the United States, is home to Steinhart Aquarium, Morrison Planetarium and the Natural History Museum. The Academy is beginning an extensive rebuilding project in Golden Gate Park. Pritzker prize-winning architect Renzo Piano is designing the new Academy, which is expected to open in 2008.

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