The Great Shakeout Earthquake Exercise is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 19, at 10:19 a.m., and local participants include the North Beach School District.
Charles W. Wallace, deputy director of Grays Harbor County Emergency Management, said some government offices, businesses and all Grays Harbor County schools will be evacuated during the exercise, so drivers are encouraged to use caution. All AHAB sirens will activate with a 90-second siren, along with a voice message in both English and Spanish announcing the test, and then again following the siren activation.
“The exercise should take no longer than 15 to 20 minutes to complete and is to provide awareness to all citizens, enabling them to best protect themselves, their staff, students and family members during an earthquake event,” Wallace said.
There are now 64 sirens along the coast, and that number will go up by five with the addition of new sirens on Front Street in Seabrook and with one in the 700 block of Duck Lake Dr. SE in Ocean Shores, along with new sirens in Chinook and Raymond to the south and at the Port of Bellingham to the north.
During the shakeout, the All Hazard Alert Broadcast sires will use the real sound of a siren, not the Westminster Chimes that typically happen during the monthly tests. NOAA weather radios set to receive the required monthly test will also activate during this test.
Last year, more than 1.1 million residents signed up for the state’s largest earthquake drill. Registration at shakeout.org/washington isn’t required, but helps tally up how many are participating. Here are some tips for the drill and for when an earthquake happens:
When a quake hits
• Drop, cover and hold on. Move only a few steps to a nearby safe place. Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you’re sure it’s safe to exit. Stay away from windows.
• If you are in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow.
• Outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees and power lines. Drop to the ground.
• If you are in a car, slow down and drive to a clear place, stay in the car until the shaking stops.
After shaking stops
• Check yourself for injuries. Protect yourself from further danger by putting on long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes and work gloves.
• Check others for injuries. Give first aid for serious injuries.
• Look for and extinguish small fires. Eliminate fire hazards. Turn off the gas if you smell gas or think it’s leaking. (Only a professional should turn it back on.)
• Listen to the radio for instructions.
• Expect aftershocks. Each time you feel one, drop, cover and hold on.
• Inspect your home for damage. Get everyone out if your home is unsafe.
• Use the telephone only to report life-threatening emergencies.
• A process should be in place to account for any staff, student or family member.
not on location with you — text, phone call etc. Consider who to contact should you find anyone is not accounted for.
