[Archived] City of Alexandria Encourages Participation in the “Great Southeast ShakeOut” Earthquake Drill

For Immediate Release: October 11, 2018

The City of Alexandria encourages the community to participate in this year’s “Great Southeast ShakeOut” earthquake drill on Thursday, October 18, at 10:18 a.m. The Great ShakeOut is an annual opportunity to practice how to protect yourself during an earthquake.

Federal, state and local emergency management experts and other official preparedness organizations recommend “Drop, Cover and Hold On” as the best course of action to reduce injury and death during earthquakes.  

In most situations, your chance of injury will be reduced by taking the following steps:

• DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down and allows you to stay low and crawl to shelter if nearby.

• COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter. If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall, away from windows. Stay on your knees; bend over to protect vital organs.

• HOLD ON until shaking stops. If you’re under shelter, hold on to it with one hand, and be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts. If you’re not under shelter, hold your head and neck with both arms and hands.

To participate in the international Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill, register your business, workplace, or family today and spread the word to remind others to be prepared. While the event occurs on October 18, everyone is encouraged to drill and practice earthquake safety on any day.

For media inquiries, contact Andrea Blackford, Senior Communications Officer, at andrea.blackford@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3959.