Earthquakes may not be as common in Virginia as they are in California, but the commonwealth has experienced powerful shaking before — and emergency officials want residents to be prepared when it happens again.
Virginians are encouraged to join the Great Southeast ShakeOut at 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, practicing what to do during an earthquake with millions of people across the region.
The annual drill encourages people at home, work and school to practice three potentially lifesaving actions: Drop, Cover and Hold On.
Virginia's earthquake risk became a reality for millions of residents in August 2011, when a magnitude 5.8 earthquake centered near Mineral, in Louisa County, shook buildings from Richmond to Washington, D.C., and beyond.
The earthquake damaged buildings across the region, including the Washington National Cathedral, and caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage. It was felt across much of the eastern United States.
Although Virginia is not located along a major tectonic plate boundary, earthquakes can occur throughout the state, making preparedness important for residents regardless of where they live.
According to emergency preparedness guidance shared by Fairfax County officials, the safest response when the ground begins shaking is to:
If no sturdy furniture is nearby, move next to an interior wall, away from windows, and protect your head and neck with your arms.
Emergency officials caution against the so-called "triangle of life" method, which suggests sheltering beside furniture rather than underneath it. Experts recommend taking cover beneath sturdy furniture to reduce the risk of injuries from falling objects.
Residents can also reduce earthquake hazards by securing items that could fall or shift during shaking.
Recommended precautions include:
The appropriate response depends on where you are when an earthquake strikes.
If you're in bed, stay there and cover your head with a pillow until the shaking stops.
If you're outdoors, move away from buildings, streetlights and power lines before dropping to the ground.
Drivers should pull over in a safe location away from bridges, overpasses and buildings, stop the vehicle and remain inside with their seat belts fastened until the shaking ends.
If you're in an elevator when shaking begins, emergency officials recommend pressing the floor buttons and exiting at the first available stop. Avoid using elevators during or immediately after an earthquake.
The Great Southeast ShakeOut takes place Thursday, Oct. 15, at 10:15 a.m.
Individuals, families, schools, businesses and organizations throughout Virginia can participate by practicing the Drop, Cover and Hold On technique wherever they are.
Residents are encouraged to review their emergency supplies, identify safe places in their homes and workplaces, and discuss earthquake safety plans with family members.
Participation is free, and Virginians can register their households, schools or workplaces at shakeout.org.
The drill is part of a larger regional preparedness effort designed to help communities respond more safely when earthquakes occur.
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