Governor McDonnell Proclaims October 18 Earthquake ShakeOut Day

RICHMOND - Nearly 600,000 Virginians have signed up for the Great SouthEast ShakeOut, the first simultaneous earthquake drill to be held in Virginia, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Maryland and Washington, D.C. The event is set for Thursday, Oct. 18, at 10:18 a.m., and to encourage participation, Governor Bob McDonnell has proclaimed the date Earthquake ShakeOut Day. ?

"Most of us remember where we were Aug. 23, 2011, when the historic 5.8 magnitude quake rocked Louisa County, and many did not know the correct way to seek safety when the earthquake began," said Governor McDonnell. "So I am asking all Virginians to take a few minutes to learn about earthquake safety and to participate in the Great SouthEast ShakeOut. We should remember that the best reaction to an earthquake is to Drop, Cover and Hold On."

Emergency management and preparedness experts agree that DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON is the safe response to reduce injuries and deaths during earthquakes in the U.S.

• DROP to the ground (before the earthquake drops you)
• Take COVER under a sturdy desk or table, protecting your head and neck
• HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops

"Whether you are at home, at school or at work on Oct. 18, I encourage you to stop whatever you are doing at 10:18 a.m. and take part in the Great SouthEast ShakeOut," said Governor McDonnell. "Earthquakes don't give us warnings, and practicing what to do will help us all remember how to be safe the next time the ground shakes."

The Great SouthEast ShakeOut drill is open to individuals, families, businesses, organizations, government agencies, and schools and colleges. Modeled after similar efforts held throughout the nation, the ShakeOut provides an opportunity to learn and practice the appropriate, safe response to an earthquake. Virginians can learn more about the ShakeOut at www.vaemergency.gov.

Coordinating partners for the Great SouthEast ShakeOut include the Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium and Federal Emergency Management Agency. Read Governor McDonnell's proclamation here .Get earthquake safety actions here.

# # #