(Smyrna) – Delaware residents and businesses are encouraged to take part in the 5th Annual Great American ShakeOut earthquake drill, Thursday, October 19 at 10:19 a.m. across the southeast United States.
While earthquakes that can be felt in Delaware are rare, many people remember the August 23, 2011 M5.8 earthquake centered in Virginia that was felt by an estimated 100 million people and caused approximately $150 million in damage and economic loss throughout the mid-Atlantic region.
Millions of people across the nation will participate in this event, joining Great American ShakeOut Earthquake Drills occurring throughout the nation. During the self-led drill, participants practice how to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”. For most people, in most situations, the recommended earthquake safety action is to:
- DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees;
- COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand, as you crawl for shelter under a nearby table or desk;
- HOLD ON to your shelter with one hand until shaking stops (remain on your knees and covering your head and neck with your other arm and hand).
The ShakeOut is free and open-to-the-public. Participants include individuals, schools, businesses, local and state government agencies, and many other groups. To take part in the ShakeOut, register to participate at www.shakeout.org. Once registered, you’ll receive regular information on how to plan your drill and become better prepared for earthquakes and other disasters.
The Great Southeast U.S. ShakeOut is being coordinated by the Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Geological Survey, and dozens of other partners. ShakeOut is coordinated globally by the Southern California Earthquake Center in Los Angeles, California.