The 2022 Great ShakeOut earthquake drill will be on Oct. 20 at 10:20 am (local time).
Why do earthquake drills in Virginia you ask? Since the early 1900s, there have been about 400 earthquakes in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. The 5.8 magnitude 2011 Mineral, Va., earthquake illustrated the fact that it is impossible to predict when or where an earthquake will occur, so it’s important that you and your family are prepared ahead of time.
In an earthquake, you may only have seconds to protect yourself before strong shaking knocks you down or objects fall on you. If you practice often, you’ll be better prepared to respond.
- Most earthquake-related injuries and deaths are caused by collapsing walls and roofs, flying glass and falling objects. It is extremely important for a person to move as little as possible to reach the place of safety he or she has identified.
- To prepare for an earthquake, identify safe places to go, such as under a sturdy piece of furniture or against an interior wall so when the shaking starts you can respond quickly. The safe place should be within a few steps to avoid injury from flying debris.
- If you are inside a building, move no more than a few steps, then Drop, Cover and Hold On:
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DROP to the ground,
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Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table or crouching against an interior wall, and
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HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops.
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