September's National Preparedness Month is a Reminder to Join Millions in October's Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 24, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- All areas of the United States can experience natural hazards, but whether or not they become disasters, or even catastrophes, is up to what we do now to prepare to survive and recover. When we consider the continuing, devastating effects of Hurricane Florence in North Carolina and South Carolina; the recent, widely ravaging impacts of the Mendocino Complex Fire in California; or the long-lasting consequences of the 1994 M6.7 Northridge Earthquake in Los Angeles or 2001 M6.8 Nisqually Earthquake near Seattle, we must also keep in mind our commitment today to building stronger, more resilient communities.

This September is National Preparedness Month, and ready.gov/september lists many suggested actions and resources helpful to all individuals, families, and organizations to attain peace of mind. National Preparedness Month is also an opportunity to register your individual, family, or organizational participation in Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills at ShakeOut.org. Most will hold their drills on International ShakeOut Day, this October 18; however, drills can be held on any day of the year and still count. More than 20 million people in the United States, from all states and territories, participate each year along with millions of others worldwide. 2018 marks the 10^th Anniversary of ShakeOut, which was first held in Southern California in 2008.

"What we all do now will determine how quickly we spring back after the next big earthquake," said Mark Benthien, Global ShakeOut Coordinator and Outreach Director at the Southern California Earthquake Center.

To plan a successful ShakeOut drill, see ShakeOut.org/resources for guides, drill broadcasts, flyers, and posters that may enhance your drill and inspire others to join you! Learn how you can stay safe from earthquakes in a variety of situations at EarthquakeCountry.org/step5. Follow @ShakeOut on Twitter and @GreatShakeOut on Instagram to learn about other tips, and use #ShakeOut in your posts!

"Our dynamic planet demands science that helps us anticipate and prepare for the effects of damaging earthquakes, as we build safer communities and conduct exercises like ShakeOut to help reduce injury, death, and damage," said U.S. Geological Survey Earthquake Science Center Director Steve Hickman. "Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills began as a regional activity based on the USGS' ShakeOut Scenario, which continues to inspire improvements in planning, preparedness, and mitigation."

KEY MEDIA RESOURCES:

ShakeOut.org/media – recent releases, suggested story angles, lists of ShakeOut media venues
ShakeOut.org/messaging – messaging, graphics, and videos useful in promoting ShakeOut and earthquake preparedness

CONTACT:

Jason Ballmann
Southern California Earthquake Center
University of Southern California
562.884.2360
ballmann@usc.edu

ShakeOut.org, is managed by the Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC) at the University of Southern California, with funding from the National Science Foundation, United States Geological Survey, and Federal Emergency Management Agency.

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SOURCE Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills