FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
This Thursday, on October 17, 2013 at 10:17a.m, more than 2.1 million people across ten states will take part in the fourth Great Central U.S. ShakeOut. The ShakeOut is a regional earthquake drill in which participants simultaneously practice the recommended action during an earthquake. This action is known as “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”, which means to:
- DROP to the ground
- Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, or cover your head/neck with your arms and
- HOLD ON until the shaking stops
The states of Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Tennessee are encouraging their schools, businesses, organizations, government agencies, communities, and households to participate in the activity. Nationwide, more than 40 states and 15 million people are currently expected to participate in Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills this Thursday.
Scientists estimate that there is a 25-40% probability of a damaging earthquake occurring in the central U.S. within any 50 year window of time. Although the primary activity of the ShakeOut is based upon a drill procedure that is similar to a fire or tornado drill, participants are encouraged to take actions to become better prepared for all disasters. This could include:
- Securing heavy items to prevent them from causing injuries during an earthquake
- Creating an emergency plan
- Updating emergency supply kits
- Talking with their families and neighbors about emergency preparedness
Interested citizens, schools, communities, businesses, etc. are encouraged to visit www.shakeout.org/centralus to register to participate in the drill. On the website, many resources are available for participants to use during their drills including drill manuals, videos, audio drill broadcasts, earthquake scenarios, and more.
The Great Central U.S. ShakeOut is being coordinated by the Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium and its Member and Associate States, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Geological Survey and dozens of other partners.
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