QUAKING: Maybe we don’t see many earthquakes in this part of the world, but the Federal Emergency Management Agency is asking us to take a few minutes on Thursday to practice some steps to stay safe should the earth move under our feet.
Thursday is the “Great ShakeOut earthquake drill,” and millions of people around the world plan to stop, drop, cover and hold on at 10:15 a.m.
Worldwide there is an average of one damaging earthquake almost every third day.
“Damaging earthquakes can occur at any time – where we work, live or travel,” stated FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “To be best prepared to respond quickly, we must practice earthquake safety on a regular basis. The Great ShakeOut provides an excellent opportunity to practice our earthquake preparedness skills together.”
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:
The Great ShakeOut is free and open to the public.
Participants include individuals, schools, businesses, local and state government agencies, and many other groups. To take part in the ShakeOut, register to participate at www.shakeout.org. Once registered, you’ll receive regular information on how to plan your drill and become better prepared for earthquakes and other disasters.
More than 11 million people around the globe are expected to participate. In addition to safety drills, many participants take extra steps to become more prepared for earthquakes or other disasters.
According to the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, “in 1998, the largest earthquake ever recorded in Pennsylvania occurred in the region of Pymatuning Lake in the northwestern part of the state. The 5.2-magnitude earthquake caused minor structural damage but had significant effects on the local groundwater system.
“The 5.8-magnitude central Virginia earthquake of 2011 was widely felt in Pennsylvania, though damages here were minor.
It was the largest recorded quake in the central and eastern United States since 1944. Smaller earthquakes with epicenters in adjoining states have also been felt in Pennsylvania.”
