Great Washington ShakeOut hits 1 Million goal

Camp Murray, Wash. – More than 1 million Washingtonians have now signed up to participate in the Great Washington ShakeOut statewide earthquake drill, making the exercise the largest in state history.   

On Thursday, Oct. 16th at 10:16 a.m., citizens across the state will “drop, cover and hold on,” practicing the skills to help stay safe during an earthquake.  In addition, coastal communities will test their tsunami alert sirens at the same time.   

“We set an extraordinary goal and I couldn’t be more pleased that we met it,” said John Schelling, Mitigation & Recovery Section Manager with the Washington Military Department’s Emergency Management Division.  “Now I’m hoping we can go even higher.  The ShakeOut provides the perfect opportunity for all Washingtonians to practice earthquake safety and then do at least one more thing to become better prepared for our next earthquake or even our next winter storm.  I encourage those who haven’t signed up yet to participate in this important drill.”  

Visit www.shakeout.org/washington for more information, to register to participate in the exercise.  As of early this morning, 1,018,934 have registered to participate in tomorrow’s annual ShakeOut drill.  

Members of the media are invited to observe and photograph students and faculty participating in the drill at Midland Elementary School in Tacoma.    

Event:   Midland Elementary School participates in Great Washington ShakeOut

Media Contact: Willie Painter, Public Information Officer Franklin Pierce Schools 253-405-5684