Washington is earthquake country. We experience more than 2,700 earthquakes every year, but many are too small to be felt.
To help prepare for tremors, we’re joining the largest earthquake drill in Washington history.
The Great Washington ShakeOut is scheduled for 10:17 a.m. Oct. 17, 2013. Wherever you are at that moment — home, work or school — drop, cover and hold on as if there were a major earthquake occurring. Stay in this position for at least 60 seconds.
This is the second Great Washington ShakeOut, and organizers hope for 1 million Washingtonians to participate.
Sign up at shakeout.org/washington/register to be counted in the drill. Participation is free, easy and only takes a moment.
The goal of the Great Washington ShakeOut is to get Washingtonians prepared for major earthquakes and tsunamis, and to use the drill as an opportunity to learn what to do before, during and after the ground shakes.
Everybody in Washington can participate, from somebody alone at home to employees at the office. Talk to your coworkers, neighbors and friends about the drill and encourage their participation.
Other steps to consider when preparing for earthquakes and other emergencies include:
• Putting together a family disaster plan.• Establishing an out-of-area contact.
• Creating an emergency kit with at least three days’ worth of food, water and other supplies.
To learn more about how you and your family can get ready, visit makeitthrough.org.