In the wake of last year's 5.8 magnitude earthquake centered in Louisa County, Gov. Bob McDonnell is asking Virginians to take part in a five-state simultaneous earthquake drill on Thursday, Oct. 18.
The drill, called the Great South East ShakeOut, will take place at 10:18 a.m. in Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Washington D.C. in order to make sure people now what safety precautions to take in the event of an earth quake.
“Most of us remember where we were Aug. 23, 2011, when the historic 5.8 magnitude quake rocked Louisa County, and many did not know the correct way to seek safety when the earthquake began,” McDonnell said in a press release. “So I am asking all Virginians to take a few minutes to learn about earthquake safety and to participate in the Great SouthEast ShakeOut. We should remember that the best reaction to an earthquake is to Drop, Cover and Hold On.”
Emergency management experts say the best course of action people can take during an earthquake is to immediately drop to the ground; take cover under a sturdy desk or table; and hold on until the shaking stops.
“Whether you are at home, at school or at work on Oct. 18, I encourage you to stop whatever you are doing at 10:18 a.m. and take part in the Great SouthEast ShakeOut,” McDonnell said. “Earthquakes don’t give us warnings, and practicing what to do will help us all remember how to be safe the next time the ground shakes.”
To learn more about the event multi-state earthquake drill visit www.vaemergency.com.
Comments