Essential Information Regarding the Great Washington ShakeOut Earthquake Drill
On October 17, the Great Washington ShakeOut earthquake drill will occur at 10:17 a.m., involving over a million participants statewide. The drill will include tests of tsunami sirens, NOAA Weather Radios, and the MyShake app, while encouraging residents to prepare for potential earthquakes and tsunamis. Residents are advised not to call 911 during the drill.
The annual Great Washington ShakeOut earthquake drill is set to occur on Thursday, October 17, at 10:17 a.m., with over one million residents across Washington participating. This important event takes place every third Thursday of October and aims to enhance public preparedness for potential earthquake and tsunami scenarios, both at home and in various community spaces, including schools and workplaces. Individuals who have downloaded the MyShake Earthquake Early Warning App on their mobile devices will receive alerts during the drill. Designed to keep users informed about seismic activities, the app utilizes the sensors on their smartphones to monitor earthquakes effectively. Simultaneously, the Washington Emergency Management Division will conduct tests of over 120 tsunami sirens positioned along the state’s coastlines, employing the actual sound of a tsunami warning instead of the standard Westminster Chimes typically used in monthly tests. NOAA Weather Radios will also emit alarms to further prepare residents. In specific areas such as the Tri-Cities, additional siren tests, including those for radiation alerts, will occur, along with some local jurisdictions utilizing their reverse 911 systems and opt-in text alerts. The public is encouraged to sign up for such alerts through the Washington Emergency Management Division’s website. During this exercise, officials strongly advise against calling 911, as the activity is merely a drill. It is important to note that the Emergency Alert System will not be tested on radio and television this year, and the Wireless Emergency Alert text system on mobile phones, along with lahar sirens in Pierce County, will also not be part of the drill.
The Great Washington ShakeOut serves as a crucial initiative aimed at improving community readiness for natural disasters, particularly earthquakes and tsunamis prevalent in the region. By participating in these drills, residents gain hands-on experience which is invaluable in the event of an actual emergency. The exercise not only involves community engagement but also incorporates technological support through tools like the MyShake App, promoting proactive preparedness.
In conclusion, the Great Washington ShakeOut earthquake drill is scheduled for October 17, and it aims to engage over a million participants in essential safety practices. Through the utilization of the MyShake app and the testing of tsunami and weather alert systems, this drill emphasizes the importance of readiness for seismic events. Residents are reminded to refrain from emergency calls during the drill to ensure that legitimate emergencies are not overlooked.
Original Source: www.fox13seattle.com
