Sumner School District drops, covers and holds on

Earthquake preparedness is a genuine concern in the Northwest. The state of Washington experienced at least 20 damage-causing earthquakes in the last 125 years, most of which occurred west of the Cascades, according to the state’s Department of Natural Resources.

By Theresa De Lay • October 22, 2013 10:15 am
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Two children dropped
Two children dropped

Earthquake preparedness is a genuine concern in the Northwest. The state of Washington experienced at least 20 damage-causing earthquakes in the last 125 years, most of which occurred west of the Cascades, according to the state’s Department of Natural Resources.

Home preparation is one thing but children spend a significant amount of time at school. Sumner School District (SSD) participated in The Great Washington ShakeOut, a statewide earthquake drill, in order to prepare children and staff for the possibility of a major earthquake. The goal of the program is to provide earthquake survivors with the tools they need for a quick and efficient recovery.

The ShakeOut drill took place at 10:17 a.m., Oct. 17. Participants across the state organized a drill in which schools, families, businesses and organizations practiced the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” technique. The technique encourages earthquake victims to drop under something sturdy, cover the head and neck with one arm and hold on to the sturdy object with the other arm.

ShakeOut recommends program organizers also include other aspects of their emergency plans when participating in the drill. SSD took the opportunity to practice evacuation protocol, as well as “Drop, Cover and Hold On.” The district’s earthquake response plan includes evacuation only when necessary. The district also urges students and staff to expect aftershocks.

“Major earthquakes may happen anywhere you live, work or travel. The ShakeOut is our chance to practice how to protect ourselves, and for everyone to become prepared. The goal is to prevent a major earthquake from becoming a catastrophe for you, your organization and your community,” said a Great Washington Shakeout press release.

The ShakeOut is held every year on the third Thursday in October. ShakeOut registration includes access to preparedness tools, activities and information. One highlighted resource is a link to the Washington Military Emergency Management Division, which provides a tool called “Prepare in a Year.” The tool is designed to give monthly goals – such as devising an action plan, home preparation and conducting hazard hunts – to fully prepare for an earthquake in a 12-month timeframe.

Both individuals and groups are encouraged to seek more information at the Great Washington ShakeOut website.

 

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