Get Earthquake ready Alabama! Alabamians encouraged to participate in Great Central U.S. ShakeOut | Community Spirit

 At 10:15 a.m. on Feb. 7, 2012, millions of people in the Central United States will seek shelter under their desks, kitchen tables and other sturdy objects as part of the second annual “Great Central U.S. ShakeOut” earthquake drill.  The Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) encourages Alabama residents and organizations to join the nearly one million people who have already registered to participate. Last year, more than 50,000 Alabamians registered.

Those who participate in this regional drill will simultaneously practice the recommended action during an earthquake which is Drop, Cover and Hold-On:

·         DROP to the ground

·         Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and

·         HOLD-ON to it until the shaking stops

“Alabamians need to be prepared for all hazards,” said AEMA Director Art Faulkner. “The small earthquake near Trussville just a few days ago reminds us the possibility of a major earthquake is a real threat for the state.”

On Oct. 24, 1997, there was a 4.9 magnitude earthquake in Escambia County which is not a historically seismically active area.  It was the largest earthquake recorded by seismograph in Alabama at that time and the largest in the Southeast in the last 30 years.  Aftershocks occurred on Oct. 26 and 28 that were both over 3.0 in magnitude.

Interested individuals, schools, businesses, etc. are encouraged to visit www.shakeout.org/centralus to pledge their participation in the drill. Registered participants will receive additional information about the drill and earthquake preparedness. Also resources are available for participants to download immediately such as drill manuals; audio and video files; flyers and posters; and banners for a website.

The Great Central U.S. ShakeOut is being coordinated by the Central US Earthquake Consortium and its Member and Associate States, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Geological Survey and dozens of other partners.