Black Diamond Elementary, Byron Kibler Elementary, Sunrise Elementary and Thunder Mountain Middle School are four local schools signed up to take part in Thursday's nationwide Great ShakeOut earthquake drill, which originated with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in 2008.
During the drill, participants will "drop, cover, and hold on." This is the recommended safety action to take during an earthquake. This is your chance to practice how to protect yourself and do your part to help prevent a major earthquake from becoming a catastrophe.
What to Do During the Drill
The drill will begin at 10:18 a.m. local time. If you are indoors, you should "drop, cover, and hold on." Drop to the floor, take cover under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on to it firmly. If you are not near a desk or table, drop to the floor against the interior wall and protect your head and neck with your arms. Avoid exterior walls, windows, hanging objects, mirrors, tall furniture, large appliances, and kitchen cabinets with heavy objects or glass.
While down on the floor, take a moment to look around at what could be falling during a real earthquake. Those items should be secured or moved after the drill.
If you happen to be outdoors, move to a clear area if you can safely do so. Avoid power lines, trees, signs, buildings, vehicles, and other items that could fall on you. If you are driving, pull over to the side of the road, stop, and set the parking brake. Avoid stopping under overpasses, bridges, power lines, or traffic signs. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking is over.
Learn More
Learn how to prepare at home using the 7 Steps to Earthquake Safety from "Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country" written for different areas of the country and in several languages.
Additional information on what you can do to prepare for earthquakes at work and home is available on the Great ShakeOut website.
