The Great Oregon ShakeOut, the world’s largest earthquake preparation drill, will be held at 10:16 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16. We will participate this year, with administrators and safety committees coordinating this effort at our schools and service centers.  

In an earthquake, you may only have seconds to prepare yourself before strong shaking knocks you down, or something falls on you. Practice earthquake-safe actions on Oct. 16 because when adrenaline kicks in, you may not act safely if you haven't practiced Drop, Cover, Hold On drill before that moment. 

DON'T WAIT FOR THE SHAKING - practice earthquake safety with your community.

Remember to:

• Identify safe areas in your workplace or home - in a severe earthquake, book cases, pictures, chandeliers or other heavy objects may fall.
• Encourage all to practice the drill. DROP, COVER and HOLD.
• DROP down onto your knees immediately. This position protects you from falling but still allows you to move if necessary.
• COVER your head and neck underneath a sturdy table or desk. If there is no shelter nearby, get down near an interior wall or next to low-lying furniture that won’t fall on you, and cover your head and neck with your arms and hands. Try to stay clear of windows or glass that could shatter or objects that could fall on you.
• HOLD ON to your shelter until the shaking stops. Be prepared to move with your shelter if the shaking shifts it around.
• Create an evacuation plan
• Create an emergency supply kit
• Know where the shut offs are for utilities such as gas, electricity and water