Montana to participate in disaster drill
At 10:22 a.m. on October 22, 2014, more than 111,000 Montanans will join millions of people across the United States and around the world to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” in the world’s largest earthquake drill.
While almost all US states are at some risk for earthquakes, Montana is at greater risk than average of experiencing a catastrophic event. According to the United States Geological Survey, Montana is one of only 16 states at high risk for seismic events of a magnitude 6 or higher. The ShakeOut is Montana’s chance to learn how we can protect ourselves during an earthquake and to practice the recommended “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” technique.
“The Montana ShakeOut is a great and simple way to prepare for earthquakes. These three steps—
Drop, Cover, and Hold on—can save lives if the ground starts shaking,” Governor Steve Bullock said. “The ShakeOut is one day a year when multiple groups across the state—schools, businesses, healthcare facilities, even state agencies—are simultaneously participating in an earthquake drill. The widespread involvement is a testament to how much we value safety and preparedness in Montana.”
Participants can take part in the drill wherever they find themselves on October 22 at 10:22 AM—at home, at work or while traveling. When an earthquake occurs, Montanans may have only seconds to protect themselves before strong shaking knocks them down or before large objects or entire buildings start to collapse on them. Learning how to “Drop, Cover and Hold On” is a great way for Montanans to be prepared to survive and recover quickly from major earthquakes.
Here is what to do when the earth starts shaking:
o Drop to the ground
o Take Cover by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and cover your head and neck.
o Hold On to your shelter until the shaking stops. Be prepared for aftershocks.
Other earthquake tips include:
o If you are outdoors, stay there and get away from buildings and overhead utility wires.
o If you are driving, pull off to the side of the road and stay in your vehicle. Avoid overpasses, bridges, power lines and other roadside hazards.
o If no desk or table is available, move to an inside corner of a building and cover your head and neck with your arms. In modern homes, doorways are no safer than other parts of the house!
o Before an earthquake occurs, secure large furniture to the wall, including large wall hangings and mirrors.
o Know how to shut off utilities like your gas if they are damaged.
o Download the free Earthquake App from the American Red Cross to receive alerts and notifications…
o And remember; be prepared to be on your own for at least 72 hours: build an emergency supply kit, make a plan, stay informed, and help your neighbors.
The 2014 Great Montana ShakeOut is supported by the following: Governor’s Office of Community Service, State of Montana Disaster and Emergency Services, Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology, MT Department of Administration, MT Department of Public Health and Human Services, American Red Cross of Montana, and multiple partners across the state. At the national level, the drills are sponsored by the Earthquake Country Alliance whose members include the Federal Emergency Management Agency, American Red Cross, and the United States Geological Survey.
To learn more and sign up for the Great Montana ShakeOut, go to http://www.shakeout.org/montana/. Registration takes 5 minutes and will ensure that you and your organization receive updates and are counted in the grand total.
Contact:
Besty Miller
Governor’s Office of Community Service
406.444.1718
bemiller@mt.gov
Anna Fernández-Gevaert
American Red Cross of Montana
406.552.2955
anna.fernandezgevaert@redcross.org