Delaware residents and businesses are being encouraged to take part in the 5th Annual Great American Shakeout earthquake drill Thursday.
A few years ago, no one thought Delaware should participate in the Great American Shakeout. But then August 23, 2011 happened.
"Folks will remember August 23, 2011 when we felt that earthquake that was centered in Virginia. So it’s an opportunity for people to remember that different types of disasters can occur and they should be ready for all of them,” said Gary Laing, the community relations officer for the Delaware Emergency Management Agency
That August 2011 quake registered 5.8 on the Richter scale.
Laing says during the self-led drill on Thursday at 10:19 a.m., participants will practice how to “Drop, Cover and Hold On.”
You should drop where you are, onto your hands and knees; cover you head and neck with one arm and hand, as you crawl for shelter under a nearby table or desk and hold on to your shelter with one hand until shaking stops.
Delaware is included in the Great American Southeast U.S. Shakeout. It’s being coordinated by the Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium, FEMA, the U.S. Geological Survey and dozens of other partners.
