Earthquakes“Drop, Cover, and Hold On”: Worldwide ShakeOut drill to be held 20 October
USGS scientists recently determined that nearly half of Americans are exposed to potentially damaging earthquakes based on where they work and live. Still others will be at risk when traveling. USGS asks Americans to be prepared to join millions of people from around the world participating in Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills worldwide on 20 October. During the drill, participants practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” This is the recommended safety action to take during an earthquake.
Do you know what to do the moment the ground starts shaking? Drop, Cover, and Hold On!
USGS scientists recently determined that nearly half of Americans are exposed to potentially damaging earthquakes based on where they work and live. Still others will be at risk when traveling. USGS says that everyone, everywhere, should know how to protect themselves during an earthquake. Don’t leave it to luck.
USGS asks Americans to be prepared to join millions of people from around the world participating in Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills worldwide on 20 October. During the drill, participants practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” This is the recommended safety action to take during an earthquake.
Interested individuals should mark their calendar and register to participate so that they know how to protect themselves, those they love, and their community. Families, schools, businesses, and organizations can all sign up and get involved. There are many ways to participate, and a variety of resources and tips are provided online. This includes pre-made flyers, drill broadcast recordings, drill manuals, and more.
The history of ShakeOut
The USGS is a founder and supporter of ShakeOut. The ShakeOut began in California in 2008 and has since spread to other states and is now international as well.
This year, forty-five states and all U.S. territories, along with many other countries, are officially involved. People and organizations in all other states and countries can also register their drills through the ShakeOut site.
What is your exposure to earthquake shaking?
To learn about your exposure to ground shaking from an earthquake near you, check out the recently released 2014 USGS National Seismic Hazard Maps. These maps reflect the best and most current understanding of where future earthquakes will occur, how often they will occur and how hard the ground will likely shake as a result.
