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Maryland Schools Taking Part in Fourth Annual ‘Great Southeast ShakeOut’ This Week

Earthquake Preparedness Event set for Thursday, October 20

BALTIMORE — Maryland schools this week are joining schools from seven other states and the District of Columbia in the fourth annual Great SouthEast ShakeOut Earthquake Drill.

Held annually on the third Thursday of October, the ShakeOut International Day of Action is set for Thursday, October 20, 2016 at 10:20 a.m. During the self-led drill, participants practice how to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” For most people, in most situations, the recommended earthquake safety action is to:

– DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees;
– COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand, as you crawl for shelter under a nearby table or desk;
– HOLD ON to your shelter with one hand until shaking stops (remain on your knees and covering your head and neck with your other arm and hand).

The drill is affiliated with the Great ShakeOut, a national effort to spotlight earthquake safety. The Great ShakeOut Drills began in California in 2018, but the August 23, 2011 earthquake in Mineral, VA, provided proof that these safety exercises are important here as well. That earthquake was felt by many Maryland residents and an estimated 100 million people in the region. Repairs are ongoing in several eastern states and Washington, D.C.

The Great SouthEast ShakeOut is being coordinated locally by the Maryland Emergency Management Administration, Maryland State Fire Marshal, Maryland Center for School Safety, and the Maryland State Department of Education. In addition to Maryland, participating states are: Delaware, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

WHAT: Great SouthEast ShakeOut Earthquake Drill

WHEN: 10:20 a.m., Thursday, October 20

MORE: http://www.shakeout.org/southeast/

Note: School systems interested in getting involved with the ShakeOut can contact Ed Clarke, Executive Director, Maryland Center for School Safety, edward.clarke@mcac.maryland.gov.


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