It’s a drill to test preparedness in the event of “The Big One” which some scientists say is overdue based on a fairly regular occurrence going back 10,000 years.

Today’s drill won’t likely be anything close to what the actual post earthquake rescue event will look like. Hatfield Marine Science Center scientists say the Yaquina Bay Bridge will be among the first casualties during the quake which could measure up to 9.4 Richter. They say it’s almost a certainty that the bridge would fall, thereby blocking entry to the bay. Rescue supplies will likely be delivered on whatever close-by beaches might be available. Scientists say that during the earthquake the coast will actually fall around ten feet thereby shrinking the amount of beach to work with.