Great Washington ShakeOut Promotes Earthquake Preparedness

The Great Washington ShakeOut will be held on October 17 at 10:17 a.m., where over a million participants will engage in earthquake safety drills. The event includes testing tsunami sirens, the MyShake Earthquake Early Warning App, and NOAA Weather Radios, with officials urging participants not to contact 911 during the drill. This year, certain alerts and systems will not be tested as part of the exercise.

On Thursday, October 17 at 10:17 a.m., the Great Washington ShakeOut will commence, enabling over a million residents of Washington to participate in earthquake safety drills in various settings such as homes, schools, and workplaces. This annual event, held on the third Thursday of October, aims to prepare individuals and communities for potential earthquake and tsunami emergencies. During the Drill, participants who have downloaded the MyShake Earthquake Early Warning App will receive notifications, and more than 120 tsunami sirens will be tested along Washington’s coast, accompanied by alerts from NOAA Weather Radios. Officials emphasize that participants should refrain from contacting 911 during the drill, as it is a simulated exercise. Notably, this year’s drill will not include tests of the Emergency Alert System on radio and television, nor the Wireless Emergency Alert text system on cell phones or lahar sirens in Pierce County. In addition, specific locations such as the Tri-Cities will test radiation sirens and local jurisdictions may utilize reverse 911 notifications and text alerts. Residents are encouraged to register for these alert systems through the Washington Emergency Management Division’s website.

The Great Washington ShakeOut is a preparedness event designed to encourage residents to practice their earthquake response. Earthquake drills are critical in educating the public on the appropriate actions to take during seismic events, ultimately aiming to enhance community resilience in the face of natural disasters. The event reflects Washington’s geographical vulnerabilities to both earthquakes and tsunamis and illustrates proactive measures being taken by state officials and emergency management agencies to mitigate risks.

The Great Washington ShakeOut serves as a vital initiative to cultivate a culture of preparedness among Washington residents. By engaging in such drills, individuals and communities are equipped with the knowledge necessary to effectively respond to earthquakes and tsunamis, thereby enhancing public safety. Participation in the event plays a crucial role in fostering awareness and readiness across the state.

Original Source: www.fox13seattle.com