Great American Shake out coming October 18th
Local schools organizations encouraged to participate

 

[September 24, 2018] 

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency is encouraging all Illinoisans to participate in the Great Central U.S. ShakeOut on October 18, 2018, at 10:18 a.m. The goal of this “Drop, Cover and Hold On” drill is to draw attention to the earthquake hazard that exists in Illinois, across the country and around the world.

The annual ShakeOut is part of an international event involving millions of participants from more than 40 states and territories and several countries. To date, more than 58 million people have registered worldwide, nearly 19.9 million of those in the Central U.S.

Some of the worst earthquakes in the U.S. occurred during the winter of 1811-1812 when earthquakes shook the Mississippi River Valley along the New Madrid Seismic Zone. The series of at least three magnitude 7 or greater earthquakes changed the landscape of the Central U.S. If earthquakes of similar magnitude happened today, their effects could have catastrophic impacts on national transportation, communication, utility and financial systems.

Do the members of your local community know what they would do to protect themselves if a major earthquake happened right now? As with tornadoes, fire and other threats, practice is essential, which is the purpose of the ShakeOut drill.

On the day of the drill, participants are asked to practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On,” which are the recommended actions to take during an earthquake. Individuals, schools, local governments and businesses across the state and around the world will participate. As emergency managers, it is important that we lead the way by setting an example of commitment to preparedness and encouraging our communities to register and take part in this important drill.

Some examples of how you can encourage your community’s involvement in ShakeOut include:

• Personally contact schools and other community leaders
  
  

• Use your regular avenues of community outreach, including property owners, faith-based organizations, service clubs and business associations
   

• Talk about ShakeOut at public events and meetings
   

• Put ShakeOut flyers at your public counters and in your mailings
   

• Include an article in your newsletter and post messages about ShakeOut through your social media
   

• Add a link to www.ShakeOut. org/centralus on your website

To be counted as a participant, everyone needs to register on the ShakeOut website: www.ShakeOut. org/centralus.

If an organization cannot participate on October 18, another day may be selected to conduct a “Drop, Cover and Hold On” drill. If another day is selected, the organization should still register on the ShakeOut website. Once registered, participants receive ShakeOut news and other information about earthquakes and preparedness.

In addition to registration, the ShakeOut website is packed with free earthquake information and resources that can be downloaded. Participants will find fact sheets, drill manuals and broadcasts, flyers, videos and other materials that will make it easy for everyone in the community to participate in the ShakeOut.

Additional earthquake preparedness and mitigation information is available on the following websites: http://www.ready. illinois.gov and http://www.cusec.org.

If you have any questions regarding the ShakeOut drill, please feel free to contact Jason Williams with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency at [e-mail] or 217-785-9925.

[Kendall Caruthers
Deputy Director
Logan County Emergency Management Agency]