At 10:18 a.m. on October 18, 2012, millions of Southeasterners will “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” in The Great SouthEast ShakeOut, the region’s largest earthquake drill ever! All faith-based organizations are encouraged to participate in the drill (or plan a more extensive exercise).
Major earthquakes may happen anywhere you work, live, or travel in the Southeast. The ShakeOut is our chance to practice how to protect ourselves, and for everyone to become prepared. The goal is to prevent a major earthquake from becoming a catastrophe for you, your organization, and your community.
Why is a “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” drill important? As with anything, to act quickly you must practice often. You may only have seconds to protect yourself in an earthquake before strong shaking knocks you down, or something falls on you.
Millions of Americans have participated in ShakeOuts since 2008. The Southeast will be having its first ShakeOut in 2012.
Everyone can participate! Individuals, families, businesses, schools, colleges, government agencies and organizations are all invited to register.
Here are a few suggestions for what faith-based organizations can do to participate in the ShakeOut. More information, instructions, flyers and other resources can be found at ShakeOut.org/southeast/howtoparticipate.
Plan Your Drill:
- Register at ShakeOut.org/southeast/register to be counted in the ShakeOut Drill, get email updates, and more.
- Download a Drill Broadcast recording from ShakeOut.org/southeast/drill/broadcast.
- Have a “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” drill at 10:18 a.m. on October 18. You can also exercise other aspects of your emergency plan.
- Discuss what you learned and make improvements.
Get Prepared for Earthquakes:
- Check your emergency supplies and equipment; make sure they are accessible and functional.
- Inspect your facilities for items that might fall and cause injury, and secure them.
- Provide first aid and response training for staff.
- Distribute ShakeOut take-home materials.
Share the ShakeOut:
- Encourage staff and members of your congregation to ask their friends, families, and neighbors to register.
- Ask other organizations to participate.
- Posters, flyers, and other materials for promoting the ShakeOut are at ShakeOut.org/southeast/resources.
- Share your experience at Shakeout.org/southeast/share.
The Great SouthEast ShakeOut is being coordinated by the Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium, the states of Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, the Commonwealth of Virginia, the District of Columbia, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Geological Survey and dozens of other partners.
To learn more, visit www.shakeout.org/southeast.