Catawba County News

Are You Ready To Shake Out?
Published: October 17, 2019
With 317 million people living and working in the United States, a major earthquake could cause unprecedented devastation. What we do now, before a big earthquake, will determine how well we survive and recover.
Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills in October 2018 involved more than 62.5 million participants through broad-based outreach programs, media partnerships, and public advocacy by hundreds of partners. The drill is held annually on the third Thursday of October. This year, International ShakeOut Day will be at 10:17 am on October 17.
A key aspect of the ShakeOut is the integration of comprehensive science-based earthquake research and the lessons learned from decades of social science research about why people get prepared. The result is a “teachable moment” on par with having an actual earthquake (often followed by increased interest in getting ready for earthquakes). ShakeOut creates the sense of urgency that is needed for people, organizations, and communities to get prepared, to practice what to do to be safe, and to learn what plans need to be improved.
Not just any drill will accomplish this; it needs to be big. It must inspire communities to come together. It must involve children at school and parents at work, prompting conversations at home. It must allow every organization, city, etc., to make it their own event. We are all in this together.
The 2019 ShakeOut drill will be the largest preparedness event in world history. At the minimum practice "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" at the specified time, which is 10/17 at 10:17 am this year. It is only a one-minute commitment for something that can save your life. For more information, visit ShakeOut.org.