Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill is Oct. 15

Shake out. Don't freak out. Drop, cover, and hold on!
Shake out. Don't freak out. Drop, cover, and hold on!

No community is immune from natural disasters, and earthquakes are just one of the hazards Nebraskans could face. With that in mind, Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is encouraging participation in the Great ShakeOut, a worldwide earthquake drill, Oct. 15 at 10:15 a.m.

“Although earthquakes are rare in Nebraska, they are still a potential risk and are one of the natural disasters that we plan for here at NEMA,” said Bryan Tuma, assistant director. “For the Great ShakeOut, take a minute out of your day to drop, cover and hold on, and think about what you would do during an actual earthquake.”

The Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill is an annual opportunity for people in homes, schools and organizations to practice what to do during earthquakes, and to improve preparedness. Millions of people worldwide will practice how to Drop, Cover and Hold On at 10:15 a.m. on Oct. 15.

Drop, Cover and Hold On is the established protocol to follow to reduce injury and death during earthquakes.

“While Nebraska is at a moderate risk for earthquakes, knowing what to do when an earthquake occurs is important for people who travel to areas of higher risk,” Tuma said. “

Visit Nebraska’s ShakeOut page at: http://www.shakeout.org/centralus/nebraska/ to sign up to participate and learn how individuals, families and organizations can prepare for earthquakes.

More details at: http://www.shakeout.org/centralus/nebraska/