Are You Ready to ShakeOut?
A major earthquake in a populated
area could cause unprecedented devastation in
The Great California ShakeOut in
October 2010 involved more than 7.9 million Californians through a broad-based
outreach program, media partnerships, and public advocacy by hundreds of
partners. The drill is now expanding to other regions of the country. Utah ’s
first ShakeOut is planned for April
17, 2012 , at 10:15 a.m.
A key aspect of the ShakeOut is the
integration of comprehensive science-based earthquake research and the lessons
learned from decades of social science research about why people get prepared.
The result is a “teachable moment” on par with having an actual
earthquake (often followed by increased interest in getting ready for
earthquakes). ShakeOut creates the sense of urgency that is needed for
people, organizations, and communities to get prepared, to practice what to do
to be safe, and to learn what plans need to be improved.
Not just any drill will accomplish
this; it needs to be big. It must inspire communities to come together.
It must involve children at school and parents at work, prompting
conversations at home. It must allow every organization, city, etc., to make it
their own event.
The 2012 ShakeOut drill will be the largest preparedness
event in Utah history. To participate, go to www.ShakeOut.org/Utah and pledge your family,
school, business, or organization’s participation in the drill. Registered
participants will receive information on how to plan their drill and how to
create a dialogue with others about earthquake preparedness. All
organizers ask is that participants register (so they can be counted and
receive communications), and at the minimum practice "drop, cover, and
hold on" at the specified time. It is only a five minute commitment for something that can save
your life. It
all begins with registering, which is free and open to everyone.
For more information, visit www.ShakeOut.org/Utah.
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