Shake Your Groove Thing
It’s October and that means it’s time to shake it. The Great ShakeOut happens October 17 at 10:17 a.m. Atr that time, everybody who’s smart about earthquake preparedness is going to drop to the floor, seek cover under a large piece of furniture, and hold on.
If you use a cane, DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON or sit on a chair or and cover your head and neck with both hands. Keep your cane near you so it can be used when the shaking stops.
If you use a walker or wheelchair, LOCK your wheels (if applicable). If using a walker, carefully get as low as possible. Bend over and COVER your head/neck with your arms, a book, or a pillow. Then HOLD ON until the shaking stops.
And if you're on the coast, make sure to go to higher ground after the earthquake stops.
Sadly, earthquakes do not schedule their appearances. But we can be ready for them anyway by practicing the most important actions when the shaking starts.
International ShakeOut Day is the largest earthquake drill ever. Register at ShakeOut.org/register to involve your family or organization. You will receive information on how to prepare for earthquakes and what actions to take during and after the shaking, as well as other ShakeOut news and updates. You can also see who else is participating in your community at ShakeOut.org/whoisparticipating.
The ShakeAlert® Earthquake Early Warning System
But wait. There’s more! The ShakeAlert® Earthquake Early Warning System, managed by the U.S. Geological Survey, detects significant earthquakes quickly enough so that alerts can be delivered to people and automated systems potentially seconds before strong shaking arrives.
ShakeAlert operates in California, Oregon, and Washington and serves more than 50 million residents in and visitors to those states. The purpose of the system is to reduce the impact of earthquakes to save lives and property.
You can sign up for ShakeAlert mobile alerts for your phone today.
