Local schools and government agencies will test their earthquake readiness on Oct. 19 during the Great Washington ShakeOut.
As communities, families, businesses and organizations statewide practice their drop, cover and hold-on skills and check their emergency supplies, the participants will include the Eatonville and Bethel school districts, Pierce County and the Port of Tacoma.
The Washington Emergency Management Division, which organizes the Shakeout annually, no longer recommends being prepared for three days of post-earthquake readiness. Instead, the recommendation now is two weeks in case of a big earthquake. Some communities may need even more emergency supplies, officials said.
Preparedness will be key in surviving the next major earthquake to hit the Pacific Northwest, according to state Emergency Managementn officials.
The Eatonville and Bethel disatricts are among more than 600,000 students, teachers and other school personnel who have signed up for a part in the ShakeOut, event organizers said last week.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal noted that the drill is important for the safety of students and their communities.
“We live in one of the most beautiful states in the country,” Reykdal said. “But living here has seismic risks. It’s crucial for students to know how to respond if there is an earthquake. I’m excited to see how students practice their drop, cover and hold skills.”
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