Great Southeast ShakeOut: Virginia Earthquake Drill Set For Thursday

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.

What To Do During An Earthquake

According to emergency preparedness guidance shared by Fairfax County officials, the safest response when the ground begins shaking is to:

• Drop: Get down on your hands and knees to avoid being knocked over.
• Cover: Take shelter beneath a sturdy desk or table and protect your head and neck.
• Hold On: Stay under cover and hold on until the shaking stops.

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.

How To Make Your Home Safer

Residents can also reduce earthquake hazards by securing items that could fall or shift during shaking.

Recommended precautions include:

• Anchor tall bookcases, cabinets and other heavy furniture to wall studs.
• Secure televisions and computer monitors with mounting straps.
• Install latches on cabinets containing glassware or heavy dishes.
• Strap water heaters to wall studs to prevent tipping and damage to gas lines.
• Know where your home's gas shutoff valve is located.

What If You're Outside Or Driving?

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.

How To Participate In The ShakeOut

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.