Join the Great ShakeOut Drill: Earthquake Preparedness on October 17th

On October 17th, Washington State will host the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill at 10:17 a.m., encouraging participation from over 1.3 million registered individuals. The event focuses on practicing the drop, cover, and hold safety protocol while raising awareness about earthquake preparedness. This year’s theme, ‘What Can We Do Right Now?’, emphasizes actionable steps for enhancing safety. Coastal residents are also encouraged to prepare for tsunami alerts during the drill.

Residents of Washington State are encouraged to register for the Great ShakeOut earthquake preparedness drill scheduled for Thursday, October 17th at 10:17 a.m. This worldwide event already has over 1.3 million participants from Washington alone. Registration is available for families, businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, faith-based organizations, and neighborhood groups on the Washington State Great ShakeOut Registration Page, and it requires only a few minutes to complete. During the drill, participants will practice the essential safety procedure of drop, cover, and hold on, taking shelter under desks, tables, or sturdy furniture as a means of protection from potential earthquake-related hazards. The initiation of this drill will coincide with the activation of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) at the aforementioned time, which will be broadcasted across various media platforms, including KIRO-FM and Seattle Sports 710. The need for such drills in Washington is underscored by recent seismic activity near Vancouver Island and Mt. Adams. As the second most earthquake-prone state in the nation, after California, Washington is home to several significant fault lines, including the Tacoma fault, Seattle fault, and South Whidbey Island fault, all of which have the potential to cause substantial earthquakes. Moreover, the Cascadia Subduction Zone, located approximately 100 miles off the state’s coast, has a historical record of major seismic events, with the last confirmed significant quake occurring on January 26, 1700, resulting in a magnitude estimated at 9.0. “Earthquakes have happened here in the past and they will happen again. If you only think about earthquake protective actions once a year, ShakeOut is the time to do it while we are not in an actual emergency. Plus you can make your drill fun!” – Hollie Stark of Washington State Emergency Management. Participants in coastal areas are advised to be prepared for tsunami alerts as well, as the drill will feature a test of tsunami sirens at 10:17 a.m. It is critical for individuals in low-lying coastal regions to be familiar with evacuation routes, particularly since ground shaking may be the only notification of an impending tsunami. Schools along the outer Washington coast will also utilize this drill to implement tsunami evacuation protocols. This year’s theme for the Great ShakeOut, “What Can We Do Right Now?”, aims to prompt individuals to identify actionable steps to enhance earthquake safety in their daily lives. The initiative serves not only as a drill but as a reminder of the importance of preparedness in the event of an earthquake, emphasizing the need for communication plans and backup systems to maintain contact with loved ones and colleagues during emergencies. As part of the drill, participants are encouraged to conduct home hazard assessments, review their schools’ reunification strategies, and sign up for local alerts. Detailed information about the Great ShakeOut and further preparedness resources can be found on their official website. Those wishing to register can visit https://www.ShakeOut.org/washington. The upcoming drill offers an invaluable opportunity to bolster earthquake preparedness while simultaneously fostering engagement and community spirit.

The Great ShakeOut is an international earthquake preparedness initiative that takes place annually, involving millions of participants worldwide who practice essential safety protocols to minimize injuries and damage during an earthquake. By registering for this event, individuals and organizations in Washington State can actively participate in the drill and contribute to enhancing the overall emergency preparedness culture in earthquake-prone regions. Washington’s unique geological characteristics, coupled with its historical earthquake incidents, underscore the importance of such drills as effective training mechanisms for individuals and communities in earthquake readiness.

The Great ShakeOut provides an opportunity for residents of Washington State to practice crucial earthquake safety measures in a structured environment. The drill, taking place on October 17th, emphasizes the importance of preparedness in mitigating the effects of potential earthquakes. With a significant number of participants registered, it cultivates a spirit of safety and collective responsibility, empowering individuals to take proactive steps in ensuring their readiness for seismic events.

Original Source: mynorthwest.com