October 17, 2019: The annual Great ShakeOut earthquake drill will take place Oct. 17 at 10:17 a.m. across the United States.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region III office has urged the people to participate and learn the simple but critical safety steps to preparing for and staying safe during an earthquake.
The Great ShakeOut is the largest earthquake drill worldwide and people need to practice Drop, Cover, and Hold to survive and recover quickly from the next big earthquake, FEMA mentioned in its news release.
During the self-led drill, participants practice how to “Drop, Cover and Hold On.” For most people, in most situations, the recommended earthquake safety action is to:
DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees;
COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand, as you crawl for shelter under a nearby table or desk;
HOLD ON to your shelter with one hand until shaking stops (remain on your knees and covering your head and neck with your other arm and hand).
The Great ShakeOut is free and open to the public. To take part in the ShakeOut, register to participate at www.shakeout.org.