Great Washington ShakeOut Earthquake Drill: Essential Preparation for Residents
The Great Washington ShakeOut, taking place on October 17 at 10:17 a.m., encourages over a million Washington residents to participate in earthquake preparedness drills. This event includes testing the MyShake Earthquake Early Warning App, tsunami sirens, and NOAA Weather Radios while urging the public not to contact 911 during the drill. This initiative highlights the importance of preparedness for earthquakes and tsunamis across the state.
The Great Washington ShakeOut, an annual earthquake preparation drill, is scheduled for Thursday, October 17, at 10:17 a.m. During this event, over a million residents across Washington State will practice essential safety procedures, including “Drop, Cover and Hold On” at various locations such as homes, schools, workplaces, and outdoor areas. This exercise is typically conducted on the third Thursday of October to enhance public awareness of proper response techniques in the event of an earthquake or tsunami. Participants who have downloaded the MyShake Earthquake Early Warning App will receive test notifications that utilize smartphone sensors to monitor seismic activity. Furthermore, at the same time, more than 120 tsunami sirens along Washington’s coast will sound a genuine tsunami warning tone, accompanied by alerts from NOAA Weather Radios. It is noteworthy that these sirens will not emit the usual Westminster Chimes that are common during monthly testing. In the Tri-Cities area, testing will also encompass radiation sirens and local jurisdictions may implement reverse 911 alerts and opt-in text messaging systems. Residents have the option to subscribe for additional alerts through the Washington Emergency Management Division’s website. Emergency officials emphasize the importance of not dialing 911 during the drill, as it is merely a practice event. For this year, there will be no Emergency Alert System activation on radio or television, nor will the Wireless Emergency Alert text system on cell phones, or the lahar sirens in Pierce County be tested.
The Great Washington ShakeOut represents an important initiative aimed at preparing the population for natural disasters, specifically earthquakes and tsunamis. The annual drill not only equips individuals with vital emergency response strategies but also raises awareness about the risks associated with such natural events. With Washington State being seismically active, the ShakeOut serves as a critical reminder for residents to remain vigilant and proactive in their disaster preparedness efforts.
In conclusion, the Great Washington ShakeOut is a significant state-wide exercise fostering earthquake preparedness among residents. Scheduled for October 17, it seeks to educate citizens on essential safety techniques. Through coordinated testing of various alert systems and applications, this initiative not only strengthens community awareness regarding seismic safety but also underscores the necessity for ongoing preparedness efforts in light of the risks posed by earthquakes and tsunamis.
Original Source: www.fox13seattle.com
