The St. Mary’s County Department of Emergency Services & Technology Emergency encourages all citizens to register and participate in the GREAT SOUTHEAST SHAKEOUT. The states of Maryland, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and the District of Columbia will participate in the earthquake drill.
The drill is scheduled to take place October 17 at 10:17 a.m. Similar to other drills, a signal will be broadcast on NOAA tone-alert weather radios and broadcast media. Once the signal goes out, all participants should Drop, Cover, and Hold On as if a major earthquake is occurring. Participants should stay in that position for at least 60 seconds.
To register go to http://www.shakeout.org/southeast/register/ and include the total number of people who will participate. Private citizens, schools, businesses, universities and many other groups in our state have already registered on the main ShakeOut site. Resources to help you with earthquake planning are available for download on the site where you register.
Between 1758 and 1987 Maryland experienced 22 minor earthquakes. However, from January 1990 through December 1996, Maryland experienced 35 small tremors—1 in Harford County, 2 in Cecil County, 3 in Baltimore County, and 29 in Howard County. In only seven years, the number of known earthquakes in Maryland more than doubled.
For more information on Emergency Preparedness visit www.prepare.stmarysmd.com.
