Participate in the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Preparedness Drill on 10/16 at 10:16 a.m.

When an earthquake hit the mid-Atlantic region on August 23, 2011, many people didn’t know how to react. Instead of crouching under a desk or sturdy table, many people evacuated their homes or workplaces, unaware of the potential injury from falling debris. While this earthquake was not strong enough to cause significant damage to the outside of most buildings in Maryland, an even slightly stronger tremor could have caused bricks and other exterior materials to become dangerous projectiles.

To help educate residents about safe earthquake procedures, Maryland and other states participate in the Great SouthEast ShakeOut. Held annually on the third Thursday of October, the ShakeOut is set for thisThursday, October 16, 2014 at 10:16 a.m.

During the self-led drill, participants practice how to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” Endorsed by emergency officials and first responders, the safe response to an earthquake is to:

- DROP to the ground
- Take COVER under a sturdy table or desk if possible, protecting your head and neck
- HOLD ON until the shaking stops

“Thankfully, we don’t have much experience with strong earthquakes in Maryland,” said Ken Mallette, Executive Director of the Maryland Emergency Management Agency. “But we need to make sure we know what to when a strong earthquake does hit our area.”

The ShakeOut is free and open to the public, and participants include individuals, schools, businesses, local and state government agencies, and many other groups. Individuals and organizations can participate by practicing the drill on October 16 and posting pictures to social media using #MDShakeOut. You can find out more and register to participate in the drill by visiting www.shakeout.org and by following MEMA on Twitter and Facebook. The MARYLAND Prepares mobile app, which is available for free on both Android and Apple devices, has additional earthquake preparedness information. Downloading the app also provides users with emergency alerts, including natural hazards such as earthquakes.

To date, more than 115,000 people are registered to participate in Maryland, and Great ShakeOut earthquake drills will occur nationwide. More than 15 million people are expected to participate in the United States and in addition to safety drills, many participants take extra steps to become more prepared for earthquakes or other disasters.