{"id":27690,"date":"2023-10-17T15:33:51","date_gmt":"2023-10-17T19:33:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mdem\/?p=27690"},"modified":"2023-10-17T15:33:51","modified_gmt":"2023-10-17T19:33:51","slug":"maryland-residents-encouraged-to-participate-in-great-shakeout","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mdem\/2023\/10\/17\/maryland-residents-encouraged-to-participate-in-great-shakeout\/","title":{"rendered":"Maryland Residents Encouraged to Participate in Great ShakeOut"},"content":{"rendered":"

Drop, Cover, and Hold On During Preparedness Drill<\/em><\/h2>\n

Thursday at 10:19 a.m.<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\"GreatREISTERSTOWN, MD (October 17, 2023) \u2014\u00a0<\/strong>The Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) is proud to promote Earthquake Preparedness and encourages Marylanders to take part in\u00a0The Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills<\/a>\u00a0occurring across the Country on October 19 at 10:19 a.m. EDT.\u00a0 Almost 73,000 people representing approximately 50 organizations, including individuals and families from Maryland were registered as of Friday afternoon. Others are encouraged to register\u00a0here<\/a>\u00a0before the exercise begins.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe typically do not think of earthquakes as a common hazard in Maryland,\u201d said MDEM Secretary Russ Strickland. \u201cBut the 2011 earthquake was a reminder for us to practice what to do \u2013 and what NOT to do \u2013 in an earthquake.\u201d While powerful earthquakes are not common in the Mid-Atlantic Region, they have happened. The August 23, 2011 tremblor near Mineral, Virginia, was felt throughout our State and reminded us that we are not immune from such activity.<\/p>\n

One of the most frightening and destructive phenomena of nature is a severe earthquake and its terrible aftereffects.\u00a0 Earthquakes can happen at any time of the year and at any time during the day. It is impossible to predict when or where an earthquake will occur, so it is important that you and your family are prepared ahead of time.<\/p>\n

A key aspect of the Great ShakeOut is integrating comprehensive science-based earthquake research and the lessons learned from decades of social science research about why people get prepared.\u00a0 The result is a \u201cteachable moment\u201d on par with having an actual earthquake (often followed by increased interest in getting ready for earthquakes).\u00a0 ShakeOut creates the sense of urgency that is needed for people, organizations, and communities to get prepared, to practice what to do to be safe, and to learn what plans need to be improved.<\/p>\n

On October 19 at 10:19 a.m. EDT you should\u00a0drop, cover, and hold<\/em>\u00a0on for earthquake preparedness;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n