Marylanders Urged to Practice Earthquake Safety During Nationwide Drill

The Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) is urging residents across the state to participate in the Great ShakeOut earthquake drills scheduled for Thursday, October 16, at 10:16 a.m. local time. This nationwide initiative aims to improve earthquake preparedness by having individuals and organizations practice essential safety procedures. As of Friday afternoon, over 98,000 participants from approximately 50 organizations in Maryland, including individuals and families, had registered for the drill, with further participation encouraged.

While Maryland is not typically considered an earthquake-prone region, a significant event in Mineral, Virginia, in August 2011, was felt throughout the state. The Great ShakeOut serves as a vital opportunity for Marylanders to rehearse the correct actions to take during an earthquake and reinforce the importance of preparedness for all residents, regardless of their location. Earthquakes can occur without warning at any time of the year, making proactive preparation crucial. The Great ShakeOut incorporates scientific research on earthquakes and social science findings on public preparedness to create a heightened sense of urgency. This “teachable moment” encourages individuals, organizations, and communities to prepare, practice safety techniques, and identify areas for improvement in their emergency plans.

The recommended safety procedure during an earthquake drill, and in the event of an actual earthquake, is to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” Participants are advised to drop to the ground, take cover by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on until the shaking ceases. Further information on earthquake preparedness can be found on the websites of The Great ShakeOut, Ready.gov, and Listo.gov. MDEM is also inviting individuals and organizations to share pictures of their participation in the drill by emailing them to pio_mdem@maryland.gov, with selected images potentially being featured on MDEM’s social media platforms.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Maryland Department of Emergency Management

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