FRANKFORT, Ky. - More than 333,000 Kentuckians participated in the Great Central U.S. ShakeOut Earthquake Drill on Oct. 15, as part of Earthquake Awareness Week in Kentucky as proclaimed earlier by Governor Steve Beshear.
The Great Central U.S. ShakeOut, which is an annual, region-wide earthquake safety drill, involved more than 3 million people through a broad‐based outreach program and partnerships with the media and public advocacy. Organized by the Central United States Earthquake Consortium (CUSEC) that includes the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma and Tennessee, the ShakeOut centered around a simultaneous Drop, Cover and Hold On drill, which provided an opportunity for individuals, schools, organizations and governments to practice earthquake response actions.
The 2011 Great Central U.S. ShakeOut was the first such event and was held in nearly 10,000 drill locations. This year’s Great Central U.S. ShakeOut event is part of the worldwide ShakeOut effort and a major activity of American’s PrepareAthon. http://www.ready.gov/prepare .
Scientists, experts and emergency management officials are aware earthquakes similar to, if not greater than, those that struck in 1811-12 could hit Kentucky anywhere, at any time and are taking steps to educate and prepare Kentuckians and others alike.
“We had a great response, nearly 334,000 Kentuckians, and almost 41 million people worldwide, registered online to participate”, said Harry James, Kentucky Earthquake Program Manager. “This is due, in part, to great partnerships with CUSEC, Kentucky Center for School Safety, the National Weather Service, local emergency management and the private sector, and of course the general public who took the time to better prepare and protect themselves and their families. You hope to never experience an earthquake, but knowing what to do if one occurs can reduce your risk of injury or save your life.”
Individuals and their families can take the following steps to prepare for earthquakes:
* Know and practice the Drop, Cover and Hold On drill
* Get an emergency supply kit
* Make a family communications plan
* Stay informed of the risks in your community
* Check for hazards in the home
* Identify safe places indoors and outdoors
* Educate yourself and family members
Kentuckians that participated in the #ShakeOut but may not have registered can still be counted. Simply go to http://ShakeOut.org/register and compete the short registration form. For more information on the #ShakeOut visit www.shakeout.org .
The Kentucky Earthquake Program is overseen by Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM). Additional information on this and other preparedness programs can be found at www.kyem.ky.gov , where you can also follow us on social media and sign up for official alert notifications.
