By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – County officials are encouraging all residents and employers to participate in today’s statewide earthquake drill.
It’s called “The Great Shakeout” and it happens at 10:20 a.m.
“People are more likely to react quickly when shaking begins if they have actually practiced how to protect themselves on a regular basis,” Steve Mansfield, of the Lewis County Department of Emergency Management stated in a news release.
The National Weather Service will activate the Emergency Alert System via the NOAA Weather Radio network which will also be announced on television and radio stations. The National Tsunami Warning Center will also send a test tsunami warning communications test targeted for the outer coastal regions.
Mansfield provides information for drill techniques:
DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down and also allows you to stay low and crawl to shelter if nearby.
COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand.
• If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter.
• If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows)
• Stay on your knees; bend over to protect vital organs.
HOLD ON until shaking stops
• Under shelter: hold on to it with one hand; be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts
• No shelter: hold on to your head and neck with both arms and hands.
The Washington Emergency Management Division of the Washington Military Department says preparedness will be key in surviving the next big earthquake to hit the Pacific Northwest.
“That means being prepared for what you need and where you live – with up to two week’s worth of supplies and an emergency ‘go’ kit ready and, for those living on the coast, have an understanding of evacuation routes and the warning signs behind tsunamis – including how NOAA Weather Radio works and the coastal sirens,” EMD stated.
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Mansfield suggests it’s also a good time today for those who have not already done so, to go to the county website at http://lewiscountywa.gov/em/lewis-county-alert [1] and register to receive alert messages on your cell phone from Lewis County Alert.