Residents will “drop, cover and hold on” today if they participate in the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill.
ShakeOut drills have been held since 2008, but this will be the first event aimed toward residents of the Virginia, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Maryland and the District of Columbia. Nearly a half-million participants will learn how to protect themselves in the event of an earthquake, which seemed unlikely until one hit Virginia in August 2011. An earthquake shook Maine on Tuesday.
Locally, both York County and Williamsburg-James City County schools plan to participate in the drill, which begins at 10:18 a.m. and will last approximately one minute. An announcement will be made letting people know an earthquake drill is beginning, and advising how the building might shake during a real earthquake.
People indoors will “drop, cover and hold on,” which recommends dropping to the floor, taking cover under a sturdy desk or table, or dropping against an interior wall and protecting the head and neck.
In an earthquake, and in a drill, people should avoid exterior walls, windows, hanging objects, mirrors, tall furniture, large appliances and kitchen cabinets with heavy objects or glass.
Once lowered to the floor, people should look around to see what could fall in the event of a real earthquake. Those items should be secured or moved following the drill.
Citizens who are outdoors and plan to participate in the drill should move to a clear area, avoiding power lines, trees, signs, buildings, vehicles and other items that could fall. If driving, pull over and set the parking brake. Avoid stopping under overpasses, bridges, power lines or traffic signs.
The ShakeOut was founded by the U.S. Geological Survey, and is based on a comprehensive analysis of a major earthquake in southern California, known as “The ShakeOut Scenario.” The project, completed in 2008, showed how science can be applied to reduce risks and inspired the idea of a public drill. For more information on ways to participate in the drill, click here.
