Third graders from Mark Twain Elementary School drop, cover and hold on during Thursday’s Great Nevada ShakeOut drill.
Although there were no measurable seismic events Thursday morning, students and staff members in the Carson City School District rocked and rolled in simulated earthquake drills. The events were part of the Great Nevada ShakeOut, an annual statewide earthquake and evacuation drill designed to teach students and educators about how to protect themselves during seismic events.
The 3.6 magnitude earthquake that hit northeast of Reno Wednesday served as a poignant reminder of the threat of and importance of preparing for earthquakes. That quake and today’s simulated drills did not cause any serious damage, but they helped people know what to do when a bigger earthquake strikes.
“Communities often have warning of natural disasters, such as tornadoes, fire, floods and the like) however, earthquakes strike suddenly and without warning,” said Ann Cyr, risk manager for the Carson City School District. “It is important that our school communities and families are prepared by taking steps to create a shelter-in-place kit.”
Throughout Nevada, schools and agencies were encouraged to participate in the annual event at 10:19 a.m. Oct. 19. Carson City’s Mark Twain Elementary School hosted its drill earlier Thursday morning since its recess and bell schedule did not fit in line with the scheduled 10:19 time.
Drop, Cover and Hold-on is the technique promoted by the Great Nevada ShakeOut as the safest way to protect oneself during an earthquake. It is expected about 19 million people worldwide participated in similar drills and activities in their community.
In the event of an earthquake, people are encouraged to drop to their knees wherever they are, then use one arm to protect the head and neck while using the other hand to hold on to a sturdy table or desk when underneath it. If a person cannot find something sturdy to hold onto, they should try to get close to an interior wall and use both arms to protect their head and neck.
Nevada is the third most seismically active state in the country. Experts say it's possible that a major quake will strike Northern or Southern Nevada in the near future. To further help prepare one’s family and home, visit shakeout.org/nevada for additional resources and information.