JACKSON, Wyo. — Teton County Emergency Management is encouraging all individuals, families and business in Teton County to participate in the Great ShakeOut, the world’s largest earthquake drill.
The Great ShakeOut is an earthquake drill held annually on the third Thursday of October. In this self-led exercise, participants physically practice the “Drop, Cover, Hold On” procedure for earthquake safety at 10:19 a.m. local time. This year’s event falls on Thursday, Oct, 19.
“Major earthquakes can happen in Teton County, Wyoming, and Teton County Emergency Management wants you to be prepared,” the agency said in a press release. “A great way to increase your earthquake preparedness is to practice the actions you would take during a real earthquake to keep yourself safe… It might sound simple, but physically going through the actions will help build muscle memory which enables you react more quickly and more safely in a real event.”
Previously advised earthquake methods including standing in a doorway or running outside are now considered dangerous and are no longer recommended, the agency said.
Teton County Emergency Management recommends following these steps in the event of an earthquake:
- DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked over while the ground is shaking.
a. Do not try to move more than five to seven feet before getting on the ground.
b. If you are indoors, do not go outside or under a doorway. - COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand, then:
a. Crawl underneath a nearby sturdy desk or table.
b. If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows, hanging
objects, tall furniture and large appliances).
c. Stay bent over to protect vital organs. - HOLD ON to the desk or table with your free hand until shaking stops.
a. Be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts.
Register for the ShakeOut at www.shakeout.org/wyoming/.
