COLUMBUS – Franklin County Emergency Management and Homeland Security (FCEM&HS) is urging the community to join millions of people who will Drop, Cover, and Hold On at 10:19 a.m. this Thursday, on October 19, 2023 in the Great Central U.S. ShakeOut Earthquake Drill.
Earthquakes can happen anywhere you live, work or travel. Everyone everywhere should know how to protect themselves should an earthquake occur. The Great ShakeOut Drill provides the perfect opportunity to practice how to protect ourselves and be prepared. The goal is to save lives and prevent disasters from becoming catastrophes.
Drop, Cover, and Hold On is the recommended safety action should an earthquake occur. During an earthquake, individuals are advised to:
- Drop to the ground.
- Take Cover under a sturdy table or desk if possible, and protect their heads and necks.
- Hold On until the shaking stops.
“Although large scale earthquakes usually do not occur in Ohio - they can happen without warning. That's why it's important not take the threat of an earthquake lightly," said Jeffrey J. Young, Director of Franklin County Emergency Management & Homeland Security. "By participating in the Great ShakeOut, residents can be prepared and know how to react should a real earthquake occur."
To participate in the 2023 Great Central U.S. ShakeOut:
- Register at www.ShakeOut.org/centralus/register to be counted in the ShakeOut Drill and get email updates.
- Download a Drill Broadcast recording from www.ShakeOut.org/drill/broadcast
- Have a two-minute “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” drill at 10:19 a.m. on October 19th.
- You may also want to coordinate an exercise of your emergency plan.
- Update disaster supply kits.
- Discuss what you learned and make improvements.
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