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News / Clark County News

Drop, cover and hold on during earthquake drill Oct. 17

By Brianna Murschel, Columbian staff writer
Published: October 9, 2024, 2:40pm

More than 120 tsunami sirens will sound statewide for testing, and at the same time, an earthquake drill will occur at 10:17 a.m. Oct. 17 at participating schools, businesses and homes.

The Great Washington ShakeOut event prepares people in the event of an earthquake. The Washington Emergency Management Division recommends practicing how to react by dropping, covering and holding on to something.

A tsunami warning will sound along the inner and outer coast, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radios will send out an alarm. Tri-Cities’ radiation sirens will be tested while local areas will test their reverse 911 and text alerts.

Participating schools will practice evacuation strategies during this time. Anyone can download the MyShake Earthquake Early Warning app or register at ShakeOut.org/Washington to receive a test.

This year, the Emergency Alert System on the radio and television, Wireless Emergency Alert text system on cellphones and lahar sirens in Pierce County will not be tested.

The Washington Emergency Management Division asks that people do not call 911 about the sirens.

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