The Great ShakeOut earthquake drill will occur in Washington on October 17th at 10:17 a.m. Over 1.3 million individuals have registered to participate, promoting earthquake preparedness. The event will include practicing drop, cover, and hold techniques, emphasizing the importance of safety and readiness in a region prone to seismic activity. Coastal residents will also experience simultaneous tests of tsunami sirens during the drill.
On Thursday, October 17th at 10:17 a.m., participants in Washington State will join millions globally in the Great ShakeOut, an earthquake preparedness drill. Over 1.3 million individuals in Washington have already registered to partake in this important event, aimed at teaching people how to effectively respond to seismic events. Registration remains open and can be completed in just a few minutes through the Washington State Great ShakeOut Registration Page; all community members—including families, organizations, and businesses—are encouraged to join. This event underscores the necessity of earthquake readiness, particularly in a region known for its seismic activity. Washington ranks as the second most earthquake-prone state in the United States, following California. With various geological faults existing, such as the Tacoma fault and the Seattle fault, the threat of significant quakes, potentially reaching magnitudes of 7.0 or greater, is very real. Further, the Cascadia Subduction Zone, which has a history of delivering powerful earthquakes, could potentially release seismic pressure at any time, with the last major event recorded in 1700. The ShakeOut drill will be initiated with an activation of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) statewide at the designated time, across all radio and television platforms, including local radio channels. Coastal residents are advised that tsunami sirens will also be tested concurrently with the drill, and they should not call emergency services in response to these test sirens. Hollie Stark, representing Washington State Emergency Management, emphasizes the importance of recognizing one’s location in relation to potential tsunami hazards and planning evacuation routes in advance. Participation in the Great ShakeOut serves as a reminder that earthquake preparation is essential, given that earthquakes occur without warning. Stark encourages individuals to consider how they can enhance safety in their daily lives, stating, “If you only think about earthquake protective actions once a year, ShakeOut is the time to do it while we are not in an actual emergency. Plus you can make your drill fun!” This year’s theme, “What Can We Do Right Now?,” urges individuals and organizations to take immediate safety steps. The exercise offers an opportunity for participants to practice dropping, covering, and holding on beneath sturdy furniture, highlighting the critical nature of preparedness in all situations.
The Great ShakeOut is an international earthquake preparedness drill that emphasizes the importance of taking proactive measures to prepare for earthquakes, particularly in regions susceptible to seismic activity. Washington State experiences a higher risk of earthquakes due to the presence of various geological faults and the nearby Cascadia Subduction Zone, which has the potential to cause devastating earthquakes. The event serves to educate participants about safety protocols and reinforce the need for preparedness, as the state has a historical record of significant seismic events.
The Great ShakeOut emphasizes the importance of earthquake preparedness for residents of Washington State, who face significant seismic threats. With millions participating globally, the drill serves as a reminder of the need for proactive planning and safety measures in the event of an earthquake. As highlighted by emergency management officials, ensuring that individuals have prepared safety plans and are aware of evacuation routes can greatly contribute to public safety and readiness in the face of potential earthquakes.
Original Source: mynorthwest.com
