On Nov. 13, a massive 7.8 earthquake will shake Southern California to its very core. Buildings will be pulverized, bridges will collapse and emergency services will be pushed beyond their breaking point. At least that's the scenario behind the Great Southern California ShakeOut, a region-wide drill that will involve county and municipal services as well as state and federal responders and millions of individuals and volunteers.

Held in conjunction with the state of California's Golden Guardian exercise, it's hoped that the Great Southern California ShakeOut will test emergency responders, but will also inspire individuals and businesses to plan for the eventuality of a major earthquake in Southern California.

"It's not a question of if, it's a question of when a devastating earthquake will strike Southern California," said Catalina Island Medical Center CEO Bryan Ballard. "Every single one of us needs to know what we will be facing and how we will respond when that happens."

Catalina Island's emergency responders have been gearing up for the November drill for some time and a recent meeting brought those plans into sharper focus. Los Angeles County Fire Captain Steve Escoto spent time at that meeting outlining potential hazards in Avalon and cautioned those who attended to be aware of those hazards. He also emphasized the need for individual responsibility. "Individual and family preparedness are essential," he said.

On the island, the drill's scenario involves a tsunami generated by the mainland earthquake, which will cause additional damage and further challenge the disaster response.

Catalina Island Medical Center will be a primary participant as will the Avalon Harbor Department, Avalon Fire Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the island's volunteer emergency responders.

In addition to the city's emergency services personnel, the drill will involve Avalon Schools, Catalina Island Conservancy, Southern California Edison and many others.

"We will be sounding the alarm and utilizing patrols down every street," CIMC Disaster Coordinator Robin Cobley said. "Residents need to be aware that this drill will be happening on Nov. 13."

Volunteers are also needed to act as victims and others impacted by the disaster. To volunteer, call City of Avalon Recreation Director Sean Brannock at (310) 510-1987.

Mayor Bob Kennedy emphasized the importance of community-wide preparedness in calling for volunteers for the ShakeOut Drill.

"In the event of a major regional disaster, members of this community need to realize they will be standing alone - there probably won't be help coming from the mainland like there was during last year's fire," he said. "Because of our isolation, it's important to practice now in order to improve our community's outcome later."

For more information about disaster preparedness and taking part in the Great Southern California ShakeOut, visit www.ShakeOut.org.

For more information visit www.CatalinaIslandMedicalCenter.org