The Great ShakeOut, October 17

Just in case you live under a rock and don’t have October 17th on your calendar, here is all the information on the upcoming national earthquake drill. Just so you know—not everyone understands what to personally do when the ground starts to shake. I can’t tell you how many times people would say to me, you should “Stop, drop and roll.”  As I told them at the time, “That is fine and dandy, but only if you are “on fire” during an earthquake!” There is more work to be done on this topic.

 Join the Global Movement: Participate in the International ShakeOut Earthquake Drill on October 17, 2024

 [Arlington, VA] — [September 20, 2024] — Don't forget to sign up now for the Great ShakeOut Drill Earthquake Drills that occurs on October 17, 2024, at 10:17 a.m. local time. This annual event is hosted by the Statewide California Earthquake Center (SCEC) and sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) team. Join millions of people around the world in practicing earthquake safety.

 Observed annually every third Thursday of October, this global drill aims to boost earthquake preparedness and safety by simultaneously practicing the "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" technique globally. Earthquakes are unpredictable, and practicing earthquake safety in multiple locations is crucial, making all the difference in survival and recovery.  

 Key Steps for the ShakeOut Drill:

·        DROP to your hands and knees to avoid being knocked over.

·        COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand to protect yourself from falling debris, and if possible, take shelter under a sturdy table or desk that is nearby. If no shelter is nearby, crawl to an interior wall.

·        HOLD ON to your shelter until the shaking stops. Hold on to your head and neck with both arms and hands if no shelter is nearby.

 When you register for the drill at ShakeOut.org/register, it also lets you see who else in your community is involved at ShakeOut.org/whoisparticipating. For updates and reminders from FEMA, text “ShakeOut” to 43362. The drill can be conducted any day of the year at home, work, school, or via video conference, making it simple to include family, friends, and colleagues.

 With over 340 million people residing in the U.S., the potential impact of a major earthquake can be severe. The ShakeOut drill offers a crucial opportunity to review and update your emergency plans and supply kits, ensuring you're prepared when it matters most.

 Your participation in ShakeOut, even if only for one minute, contributes to a more prepared and resilient nation. Join us on October 17 to practice, review, and strengthen your earthquake readiness.

 Join us for a special webinar on Oct. 7 at 2:00 p.m. EST in preparation for this year’s Great ShakeOut! In this informative session, we’ll guide you through essential earthquake preparedness tips and explain how to participate in the ShakeOut drill. Our experts will cover the critical steps to take before, during, and after an earthquake, so you can stay safe and protect your loved ones. This webinar will ensure you're ready for the drill and equipped for real-life scenarios. Don’t miss this opportunity—register now to get prepared!