JACKSON, Wyo. — Teton County Emergency Management wants the public to know that major earthquakes can happen in Teton County, WY. For that reason, all individuals, families and businesses in Teton County are encouraged to participate in the world’s largest earthquake drill on Oct. 21.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency and US Geological Survey have classified Wyoming as having a very high seismic hazard, and most earthquakes in Wyoming occur in the western third of the state near the Yellowstone volcanic system.
With earthquakes an inevitable part of the future, anyone who lives or works in Teton County should make plans and take actions to ensure that a disaster like a large earthquake does not become a catastrophe. A great way to increase your earthquake preparedness is to practice the actions you would take during a real earthquake.
Held annually on the third Thursday of October, the Great ShakeOut is set for Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021. During the self-led drill, participants practice how to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”. Endorsed by emergency officials and first responders, the safe response to an earthquake is to:
- DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked over while the ground is shaking. Do not try to move more than 5-7 feet before getting on the ground. • If you are indoors, do not go outside or under a doorway.
- COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand, then: Crawl underneath a nearby, sturdy desk or table. If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows, hanging objects, tall furniture, and large appliances). Stay bent over to protect vital organs.
- HOLD ON until shaking stops. Under shelter: hold on to it with one hand; be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts. No shelter: cover your head and neck with both arms and hands.
The Great ShakeOut is free and open to everyone. To take part in the ShakeOut, individuals and organizations are asked to register here.
Once registered, participants receive regular information on how to plan their drill and become better prepared for earthquakes and other disasters.
The Great Wyoming ShakeOut is coordinated by Teton County Emergency Management, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Geological Survey and dozens of other partners.
