The Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management is encouraging individuals, families, and businesses throughout Yavapai County to participate in the Great ShakeOut, the world’s largest earthquake drill, with Ashley Ahlquist, Emergency Manager, expressing her full endorsement of the program. Ahlquist emphasizes the significance of such initiatives, stating, “These programs are important; they not only raise awareness about earthquake preparedness but also encourage individuals, families, and communities to practice what to do when we have an earthquake. While it may seem straightforward, physically rehearsing these actions helps establish muscle memory, enabling you to respond swiftly and safely during a real event.”
While Yavapai County experiences less frequent and severe earthquakes compared to neighboring regions, the presence of fault lines underscores the need for preparedness. A recent 3.8 magnitude earthquake in Chino Valley serves as a reminder of this potential threat. The Big Chino Fault can generate a 7.2 magnitude earthquake, posing a significant risk to the area. It’s also important to acknowledge that earthquakes in nearby states such as California, Nevada, Utah, and New Mexico, can impact Arizona.
The Great ShakeOut is a yearly earthquake drill conducted on the third Thursday of October; this year’s event is scheduled for Thursday, October 19, at 10:19 a.m. local time. It provides residents, schools, businesses, and organizations valuable opportunities to practice and improve earthquake response plans. During the self-led drill, participants practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” For most people, in most situations, the recommended earthquake safety action 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 five to seven feet before getting on the ground.
- Do not go outside or under a doorway if you are indoors.
- 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 the shaking stops.
- Be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts.
The Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management emphasizes the importance of preparedness in the face of unpredictable natural disasters. The Great ShakeOut serves as a crucial reminder that earthquake safety should be a priority for all residents. The office encourages everyone to raise awareness about the event and actively participate in this essential drill. Schools, businesses, and organizations have an opportunity to review and update their emergency response plans during this event.
For more information about the Great ShakeOut event and to register, please visit https://www.shakeout.org/arizona/. Join us as we work towards building a safer and more resilient Yavapai County. Be prepared, stay aware, and take action to safeguard yourself and your community during earthquakes.
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