Central Virginians can practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On,” the safe response to an earthquake, during the Great SouthEast ShakeOut earthquake drill set for Thursday, Oct. 16, at 10:16 a.m.
Citizens, business owners, and organizations can register for the drill at www.ReadyVirginia.gov and also atwww.shakeout.org/southeast. Those who register will receive information on how to plan their drill. These websites provide many resources for learning how to be prepared for an earthquake.
“[The] ShakeOut is a great opportunity for all Virginians to quickly practice several steps that are potentially life-saving,” said Jeff Stern, state coordinator for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. “Most Virginians remember where they were when the 5.8 magnitude Mineral earthquake struck in August 2011. Participating in the Great SouthEast ShakeOut is a terrific training exercise for families, schools, businesses, organizations, government agencies, communities and individuals so that we all are more prepared for the next quake.”
During the ShakeOut, citizens should practice these actions that are recommended when earthquakes occur:
- Drop to the ground where you are
- Take Cover under a sturdy table or desk if possible, protecting your head and neck
- Hold On until the shaking stops