Join in a Fun Earthquake Preparedness Drill at 10:17 AM on October 17, 2013

The Great ShakeOut is coming this week, are you ready?

The Great ShakeOut is about helping people be prepared for the next big earthquake, knowing how to respond, and practicing that response so they can protect themselves.

Earthquakes are natural disasters that we should learn to live with, not in fear of. Learning how to prepare for an earthquake not only makes you a bit safer, it ensures that those around you are a bit safer as well.

You should take preparedness steps to physically and financially survive the next big earthquake. According to the Department of Geologic and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI), Oregon (which is where I live) is overdue for a 9.0 earthquake located in the Cascadia Subduction Zone off the coast.

What should you do BEFORE an earthquake?

Everyone should secure their space to avoid injuries and damage, have a plan, gather emergency supplies, and practice what to do during an earthquake so you will be ready to act and react.

Watch this video that demonstrates Drop, Cover & Hold On

Resources for K-12 teachers, and parents, to help children understand earthquakes and how engineering helps us prepare to survive them.

Play Beat the Quake Game –  Learn how to secure your space. The more you can do before an earthquake, the less damage your will have.

What should you do DURING an earthquake?

Drop, Cover, and Hold ON! It is the safest action to take during ground shaking. There are 3 steps:

• DROP to the ground (before the earthquake drops you)

• Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and

• HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops.

If there isn’t a table or desk near you, drop to the ground and then if possible move to an inside corner of the building. Be in a crawling position to protect your vital organs and be ready to move if necessary. Cover your head and neck with your hands and arms. Do not try to run to another room just to get under a table – you are more likely to be injured if you try to move around during strong shaking.

These are general guidelines for most situations. Depending on where you are (in bed, driving, in a theater, etc), you might take other actions.

The main point is: Immediately protect yourself as best as possible where you are. Do not move to another location. Earthquakes occur without any warning and may be so violent that you cannot run or crawl; you therefore will most likely be knocked to the ground where you happen to be. You will never know if the initial jolt will turn out to be the start of the big one. You should Drop, Cover, and Hold On immediately!

What should you do AFTER an earthquake?

Once you and others are safe, begin your recovery process right away. If you have earthquake insurance, contact your policy holders for assistance and to file claims

What do you do during this drill?

Visit How To Participate and learn what your area of the world is going to participate in the great ShakeOut.  You will find tons of ideas to plan your drill and get prepared.

I suggest  downloading the Audio and Video “Drill Broadcast” recordings that have been created to provide instructions during your drill. That’s what I did last year!