OAKLAND (KRON/BCN) — Oakland city and federal emergency officials are taking the opportunity to educate residents on earthquake safety with the opening of the disaster film, “San Andreas.”
The film’s star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is featured in a 30-second public service announcement which is set to be shown at Oakland’s Grand Lake Theatre prior to the start of the film when it opens on Friday evening, Oakland officials said Thursday.
In addition, volunteers with emergency agencies plan to be on hand in the theater’s lobby to provide more information about what to expect in an earthquake and offer tips for staying safe.
The Oakland Fire Department and the Federal Emergency Management Agency organized the outreach event.
The plot of “San Andreas” centers around magnitude 9.6 and 9.1 earthquakes striking in California as a search-and-rescue helicopter pilot, played by Johnson, travels from Los Angeles to San Francisco to save his daughter.
Directed by Brad Peyton, the movie promises impressive special effects sequences of the destruction of Bay Area landmarks, but critics say the film depicts inaccuracies of what would really happen in the event of such a large quake.
Officials say despite the Hollywood exaggerated aspects of the film, it does provide an opportunity to raise awareness of the potential for a large earthquake and impart practical advice.
In the PSA, Johnson advises people to remember the “Drop, Cover and Hold On” drill when an earthquake hits. If the ground starts shaking, everyone should drop to their hands and knees, cover their head and neck under a sturdy table or desk if possible, and hold on to the shelter until the shaking stops.