Statewide 'ShakeOut' Earthquake Drill Happens This Morning

SEATTLE, WA - All Puget Sound residents know that some day in the future we'll get hit with an earthquake. It might be like the 2001 Nisqually quake, but it could be a devastating full-rip 9.0 Cascadia quake.

To help remind Washingtonians of what do in the event of a quake, the annual "Great Washington ShakeOut" will take place Thursday at 10:18 a.m. When the clock hits that time, thousands of people across the state will practice emergency procedures as if a real earthquake was in progress.

Your school or workplace might already be participating, but if not, you can still join the ShakeOut. You can view this resource page for what to do in the event of a quake, whether you're at work or out shopping at the grocery store.

And even if you miss the 10:18 a.m. drill, there are still things you can do to prepare. Experts recommend that Puget Sound residents have an earthquake kit at home with two weeks worth of survival supplies - water, food, batteries, and lots more. Check out this all-encompassing earthquake emergency plan to get prepared today.

“Unlike the recent hurricanes we’ve seen in the south, where residents have several days of notice to prepare, earthquakes happen without warning,” Gov. Jay Inslee said in a press release. “That’s why it’s so important for Washington residents to prepare now and make sure they have an emergency kit to take with them or keep at home.”

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