Final Call to Register for Great ShakeOut Drill on October 17th

The Great ShakeOut drill will occur on Thursday, October 17th at 10:17 a.m., with over 1.3 million already registered in Washington. The event promotes earthquake safety practices such as drop, cover, and hold. Participation is encouraged from various community groups, emphasizing the importance of preparation given the state’s seismic risks. For more information and to register, visit the ShakeOut website.

The Great ShakeOut earthquake drill is set to take place on Thursday, October 17th at 10:17 a.m. With over 1.3 million participants already registered in Washington State, individuals are encouraged to join this important safety initiative by registering through the Washington State Great ShakeOut Registration Page. Registration is straightforward and only requires a few minutes to complete. Participants can include families, businesses, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, faith-based organizations, and community groups. This year’s drill not only highlights local preparation but also forms part of a global event where millions of individuals will practice earthquake safety protocols, specifically the actions of drop, cover, and hold under sturdy furniture. The trend of sharing experiences has permeated social media, often showcasing participants’ drills through photos and videos. The drill’s commencement will be signaled by the activation of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) at 10:17 a.m., disseminating alerts statewide via NOAA Weather Radio, as well as various radio and television broadcasters, including KIRO-FM and Seattle Sports 710. Given Washington’s seismic history and geographical vulnerabilities—being the second most earthquake-prone state in the U.S. after California—it is essential for residents to engage in this drill. The region hosts several alarmingly significant geological faults, including the Tacoma, Seattle, and South Whidbey Island faults, which have the potential to generate considerable earthquakes. Notably, the Cascadia Subduction Zone off the coast poses a significant risk, having previously manifested a massive earthquake around 323 years ago, yielding potential for another high-magnitude event at any time. Ms. Hollie Stark from Washington State Emergency Management advised residents near coastal tsunami sirens that tests will occur simultaneously with the drill, indicating not to call emergency services during this time. Further, Stark emphasized the importance of understanding evacuation protocols in tsunami zones, as the immediate aftermath of an earthquake could be perilous. Moreover, she highlighted that “Earthquakes have happened here in the past and they will happen again,” encouraging the community to engage in the ShakeOut drill annually to reinforce safety measures and preparedness. This year, the theme ‘What Can We Do Right Now?’ serves as a prompt for individuals to take immediate steps toward better earthquake readiness. Lastly, the Great ShakeOut aims to cultivate awareness regarding safety strategies that attendees can implement wherever they find themselves in the event of an earthquake. Adequate communication plans and contingency measures are vital, considering traditional telephone services might become overloaded post-event. Ms. Stark suggests conducting a home hazard assessment and familiarizing oneself with local emergency protocols and alerts. For further information and to register, interested parties may visit https://www.ShakeOut.org/washington to participate in this beneficial drill and enhance overall earthquake preparedness.

The Great ShakeOut is a worldwide earthquake preparedness drill encouraging individuals and communities to practice safety measures that can mitigate the risks associated with earthquakes. This event educates participants on essential actions to take during an earthquake, specifically focusing on drop, cover, and hold. Given Washington State’s high seismic risk profile, with various significant fault lines and a history of substantial earthquakes, awareness and readiness are crucial components of community safety.

The upcoming Great ShakeOut drill on October 17th serves as an important reminder for Washington residents to practice earthquake safety measures. With substantial participation expected, the initiative not only cultivates awareness regarding seismic preparedness but also fosters a community spirit through involvement in this essential safety exercise. Understanding local risks and having a communication plan in place can be vital following any seismic events.

Original Source: mynorthwest.com