Seattle Culture
The Great Washington ShakeOut is Next Week
Annual event comes on heels of Sunday’s minor quake
By Rob Smith October 10, 2023
This article originally appeared in the November/December 2023 issue of Seattle magazine.
You may not have even noticed the earthquake that happened Sunday night. Many Seattleites had no idea. Even those who knew what was happening didn’t seem concerned. For most, it was a soft shaking that was over in about two seconds.
While the 4.3 magnitude earthquake that originated about 40 miles southeast of British Columbia wasn’t, in and of itself, a big deal — the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network says there was a “low likelihood of casualties and damage” — it does serve as a warning to prepare for a larger one.
Next week, coincidentally, is “The Great Washington ShakeOut,” part of International ShakeOut Day on Oct. 19. At 10:19 a.m., millions of people across the world will participate in earthquake drills at work, school, or home.
About 1.2 million people have already signed up to participate in Washington state. Almost 50 million are planning to participate worldwide.
According to the website, “The Great Washington ShakeOut is a statewide opportunity to practice how to be safer during big earthquakes: Drop, Cover and Hold On. The ShakeOut has also been organized to encourage you, your community, your school, or your organization to review and update emergency preparedness plans and supplies, and to secure your space in order to prevent damage and injuries.”
Visit the website for more information.
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