This Thursday, Oct. 19, is the Great ShakeOut, a worldwide earthquake preparedness event
This Thursday, Oct. 19, at 10:19 a.m., is the Great ShakeOut! This is an annual drill when millions of people all over the world practice earthquake safety together at the same exact time. Earthquakes and tsunamis are Washington hazards and can occur at any time, so this is a great opportunity to practice how we would react during these events and prepare ahead of time to reduce our stress when they do occur.
Remember to Drop, Cover, and Hold On!
Also at 10:19 a.m. that day, the National Weather Service (NWS) will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). Earlier this month the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) performed a test of the EAS as well as the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) systems. Only the EAS alert to televisions and radios should activate this Thursday, although there are some cell phone apps that may send notification too.
Washington state will also test its tsunami sirens at 10:19 a.m. as well. There are two located in Bellingham and many more throughout Whatcom County, and they will be tested. Don’t freak out, it’s the Great ShakeOut! The City of Bellingham is hosting a Meet Me at the Siren event that day at Squalicum Harbor, on the path toward the Fisherman’s Pavilion, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. where you can learn more about earthquakes, tsunami, and the tsunami sirens. To hear what the tsunami siren sounds like, click here. In the event of an emergency the warning will be followed by a voice message in English and Spanish providing instructions to listeners.
Your department, classroom, or campus residence can register as a subset of Western Washington University’s participation by registering at Great ShakeOut registration.
Resources:
Earthquake Video: Pacific Northwest is Earthquake Country
Tsunami Video: Tsunamis: Be Prepared and Stay Safe!
Website: City of Bellingham Emergency Management
Website: The Great Washington ShakeOut
Website: Earthquake Country Alliance
Website: Ready.gov
Emergency Management & Business Continuity