The Traveling Red Table™ statewide tour was created by the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) and American Red Cross (Red Cross) to highlight the Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety, with emphasis on ShakeOut™ registration to practice the fifth step – how to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” when the ground shakes.

“Earthquakes can strike at any time,” CEA CEO Glenn Pomeroy said. “Whether we’re at home, work, or in the bleachers watching drag races when the ground shakes, Californians need to be prepared to survive and recover from the next damaging earthquake.”

CEA and Red Cross were prompted to join forces to help increase earthquake preparedness in California after a UCLA School of Public Health and Survey Research Center study in 2010 reported that “relatively few (California) households have acted to mitigate losses and reduce injuries” resulting from earthquakes.

“The American Red Cross is working with the CEA to help people recognize earthquake preparedness as an important responsibility that comes with daily living in California,” said American Red Cross California Northwest Region CEO Tim Miller. “People need to do more than cross their fingers and hope earthquake damage doesn’t affect them.”

Sunday’s NHRA race also will honor local Red Cross volunteer Nicole Massey as part its partnership with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). Through its Heroes in our Community sponsorship, PG&E partners with the American Red Cross to distribute tickets to Sonoma Raceway's NASCAR and INDYCAR races to military families and veterans, as well as Red Cross volunteers and first responders throughout Northern California. “PG&E’s financial support to the American Red Cross and other local charities serve one purpose: to improve the quality of life for neighborhoods and families throughout Northern California,” said PG&E employee and Red Cross Board Member John Ghigliazza. For more information about future visits for the Traveling Red Table™ and who will be signing it, visit GetPreparedCalifornia.org.