The Great SouthEast ShakeOut Set for October

August 20, 2012

Courtesy of EMR-ISAC

The Great ShakeOut program started in California four years ago, and this year will be the first year the program will be held in the Southeastern United States, including Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. The voluntary Great SouthEast ShakeOut drill will be held October 18 for businesses, families, schools, and government agencies to learn and practice what to do when an earthquake occurs.

While most people don’t think of major earthquakes occurring in the Southeast United States, there have been a few of note. South Carolina was hit with a 7.3 magnitude quake in the late 1800s, and Virginia had a 5.8 magnitude quake a year ago. Earthquake preparedness in this region of the country isn’t given as much attention as hurricanes, for example, which makes public education on preparedness measures even more essential.

Resource materials available include manuals for businesses, schools, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies and facilities. There are also many ready-made flyers for more specific audiences such as preschools, museums, healthcare facilities, and organizations for seniors, as well as a guide for people with disabilities and special access needs.

Interested parties can register for the Great SouthEast ShakeOut to receive emails, information, and tips on how to prepare. There are also other ShakeOut exercises being planned across the country and overseas.

Source: Great SouthEast ShakeOut