Held annually on the third Thursday of October, the Great ShakeOut is a self-led drill during which participants practice how to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”. It might sound simple, but physically going through the actions will help build muscle memory which enables you react more quickly and more safely in a real event.
Sign up for free at www.shakeout.org/wyoming/ to receive earthquake resources, safety tips, and reminders leading up to the drill. Then, at 10:19 AM on Thursday, October 19th, join people across Wyoming and across the world in practicing “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”. These actions have been validated by direct relevant findings in research studies and endorsed by emergency officials and first responders. Methods like standing in a doorway, running outside, and the “triangle of life” are considered dangerous and are no longer recommended.
- DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked over while the ground is shaking.
- Do not try to move more than 5-7 feet before getting on the ground.
- If you are indoors, do not go outside or under a doorway.
- COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand, then:
- Crawl underneath a nearby sturdy desk or table.
- If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows, hanging objects, tall furniture, and large appliances).
- Stay bent over to protect vital organs.
- HOLD ON to the desk or table with your free hand until shaking stops.
- Be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts.
Learn more about earthquakes and the risk in our area:
The Great Wyoming ShakeOut is coordinated by Teton County Emergency Management, Wyoming Office of Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Geological Survey and dozens of other partners. ShakeOut is coordinated globally by the Southern California Earthquake Center at the University of Southern California.