The Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management invites Alaskans to join millions of people worldwide in the world’s largest earthquake drill by registering for the 2015 Great Alaska ShakeOut. Participating is a great way for your family or organization to be prepared to survive and recover quickly from big earthquakes.
The Great Alaska ShakeOut Drill is scheduled for 10:15 a.m. on October 15, 2015. This means that wherever you are at that moment—at home, at work, at school, anywhere—you should “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” as if there was a major earthquake occurring at that very moment, and stay in this position for at least 60 seconds.
There will not be any freeway closures, power outages, or other simulated effects of the hypothetical earthquake. The ShakeOut is not something you need to leave your office or home to participate in—in fact, participating at work is encouraged! Businesses, organizations, schools, and government agencies can register and have their employees practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On,” or have a more extensive emergency drill.
The main goal of the ShakeOut is to get Alaskans prepared for major earthquakes, so use the ShakeOut as an opportunity to learn what to do before, during and after an earthquake. Alaska is the most seismically active state in the U.S., home of three of the seven largest earthquakes in the 20th century, including the 9.2 magnitude 1964 Good Friday Earthquake, the second-largest ever recorded. Every Alaskan should practice to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” since so many of us reside in areas at risk for earthquakes.
Anyone in Alaska can participate in The Great Alaska ShakeOut, from a single individual at their home to a major company in their office. Talk to your coworkers, neighbors and friends about the ShakeOut and encourage their participation.
Please sign up for free at http://www.shakeout.org/alaska/register to be counted in the ShakeOut Drill, get email updates, additional safety information and more.
Julie Baker is a Public Information Officer for the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
