WYOMING — Teton County Emergency Management wants residents to know that major earthquakes can happen in Teton County.

Based on local geology and the characteristics of our fault systems, earthquakes up to magnitude 7.5 are possible. Anyone who lives or works in Teton County should make plans and take action to ensure that a disaster like a large earthquake does not become a catastrophe. A great way to increase your earthquake preparedness is to perform the actions you would take during a real earthquake.

Held annually on the third Thursday of October, the Great ShakeOut is a self-led drill during which participants practice how to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”. 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.

Sign up for free at www.shakeout.org/wyoming/ to receive earthquake resources, safety tips, and reminders leading up to the drill. Then, at 10:20 AM on Thursday, Oct. 20, join people across Wyoming and across the world in practicing “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 to the desk or table with your free hand until shaking stops. Be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts. If you are not under shelter, cover your head and neck with both arms and hands.

The Great Wyoming ShakeOut is coordinated by Teton County Emergency Management, Wyoming Office of Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Geological Survey and dozens of other partners. ShakeOut is coordinated globally by the Southern California Earthquake Center at the University of Southern California.

Toby Koekkoek is a Community News Reporter, and a recent resident of Teton Valley. He enjoys writing about our region's community events and the movers and shakers that make up the culture of this unique mountain town. He enjoys deep powder, and deep thoughts, skateboarding, playing racquet sports, riding his bike, and nerding out on music. Toby also coaches freeride skiing for the Jackson Hole Ski Club and runs skateboard camps in the summer.