Drop, cover, hold on: Millions across state practicing earthquake drills

SEATTLE — Millions of people will participate in earthquake drills at work, school or home on Thursday.

At 10:20 a.m., you can join others across Washington practicing earthquake safety during The Great Washington Shakeout.

No matter where you are, just drop, cover and hold on. The Washington Emergency Management Division said that’s the best way to protect yourself from falling debris during an earthquake and practicing will help make the actions second nature for when a real earthquake comes.

Students at Seattle Public Schools are among those who will be participating in the drill.

WEMD said more than 1.3 million people have registered to participate in the earthquake and tsunami drill so far. Registration is not required to participate.

For the first time during Washington’s Shakeout drill, those who have downloaded the free MyShake Earthquake Early Warning App on their phones will receive a test alert. The alert should include an audio message notifying people that the system is being tested and no action is required.

To find links to download the app and the three ways to get earthquake alerts on your phone in Washington, visit https://mil.wa.gov/alerts.

The app, which is powered by the United States Geological Survey’s earthquake early warning system, can provide a few seconds of warning before an actual earthquake hits.

The Wireless Emergency Alert system and Android’s built-in earthquake alerts will not be tested Thursday.

WEMD said the ShakeAlert earthquake early warning system is a relatively new technology in Washington, and has only been available to the public for about a year and a half.

In addition to Thursday’s earthquake drill, more than 120 tsunami sirens along the inner and outer Washington coast will be tested. The real wailing sound of a tsunami warning, not the Westminster chimes that are typically used during the monthly tests, will be used.

Citizens are asked not to call 911.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radios will also sound an alarm.

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