OKLAHOMA CITY – The Great Central U.S. ShakeOut is in less than ONE day, and the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is encouraging residents to join their nearly 38,000 neighbors who have already registered to participate.
Part of a global event, the ShakeOut is meant to raise awareness of how to best protect yourself during a major earthquake: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Held every third Thursday of October, this year’s drill is scheduled at 10:17 a.m. on October 17, 2024. Wherever you are at that moment—at home, at work, or at school—you should Drop, Cover, and Hold On as if there were a major earthquake occurring, and stay in this position for at least 60 seconds. Can’t participate at that time? Schedule your own drill at your convenience.
Oklahomans who have survived earthquakes without taking any action may scoff at the idea of an earthquake drill, but our state’s red dirt is more active than they may know. The Oklahoma Geological Survey (OGS) recorded 182 earthquakes just last month, and we don’t know when our state’s next large earthquake will strike or how severe the shaking will be. If you wait to react, it may be too late.
Myths abound when it comes to earthquake safety – Did you know you’re more likely to be injured by falling, broken glass or flying objects during an earthquake than a building collapse? Be sure to get the facts to prepare, survive and recover at https://www.earthquakecountry. org/sevensteps/.
The ShakeOut is not something you need to leave home, work, or school to participate in— in fact, group participation is encouraged. Businesses, organizations, schools, and government agencies can register and have their employees practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On or conduct a more extensive emergency drill.
Register for free at www.ShakeOut.org/centralus/ register to be counted in the ShakeOut Drill, get email updates, and more.
The ShakeOut is a partnership of the Central United States Earthquake Consortium, each participating state, FEMA, and several other key organizations. OEM partners with OGS to promote the event in the Sooner State.
Let’s get #ReadyOK!