Registration opens for Great SouthEast ShakeOut earthquake drill on Oct. 17

Virginians can practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On,” the safe response to an earthquake, during the second annual Great SouthEast ShakeOut earthquake drill set for Thursday, Oct. 17,  at 10:17 a.m.

Michael Cline, state coordinator for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, said Virginia families, schools, businesses, organizations, government agencies, communities and individuals are being encouraged to quickly practice several steps that are potentially life-saving.

The Oct. 17 earthquake drill for southeastern states follows the two-year anniversary of the Aug. 23, 2011, 5.8 magnitude earthquake centered in Mineral.  The ShakeOut provides an opportunity to practice simple recommended actions should an earthquake occur:

• Drop to the ground where you are

• Take Cover under a sturdy table or desk if possible, protecting your head and neck

• Hold On until the shaking stops

To register for the earthquake drill, go to http://www.shakeout.org/southeast  Thos.e who register will get details on how to plan their drill.  The Great SouthEast ShakeOut website provides many resources for learning how to be prepared for an earthquake and also for promoting the ShakeOut.  To find these resources, go to http://www.shakeout.org/southeast/resources

Last year, nearly one million Virginians took part in the first Great SouthEast ShakeOut,  a simultaneous earthquake drill held in the southeastern U.S. to coincide with drills held in other states and several countries, giving the effect of a rolling drill.

Coordinating partners for the Great SouthEast ShakeOut include the Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium and Federal Emergency Management Agency.  ShakeOut originated in California, where statewide earthquake drills have been held annually since 2008, and has grown to be an international program.