Reston, Va.—Are you prepared for future earthquakes? Earthquake experts from the USGS and FEMA will be with students at Langston Hughes Middle School as they participate in the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill on October 18, 2012.
During the drill, participants will "drop, cover, and hold on" to practice how to protect themselves during an earthquake. Millions of people have participated in ShakeOut drills since 2008, and this will be the first year a drill is officially held in the southeast. Earthquakes pose a risk to more than 165 million people in 37 states. Last year's earthquake in Virginia was a recent reminder that we all need to be prepared.
| What: | Media are invited to join students at Langston Hughes Middle School as they participate in the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill. Presentations will follow from the USGS and FEMA on earthquake hazards and preparedness. |
| When: | Thursday, October 18, 2012, 10:18 a.m. Media should arrive by 9:30 a.m., with the event lasting until 11:00 a.m. |
| Where: | Langston Hughes Middle School 11401 Ridge Heights Road Reston, VA 20191 |
| Who: | Marcia McNutt, USGS Director Michael Mahoney, FEMA Geophysicist Bill Leith, USGS Senior Science Advisor for Earthquake and Geologic Hazards |
| RSVP: | Media must RSVP by October 17 to Jessica Robertson at jrobertson@usgs.gov or 703-648-6624. |
Additional information—drill manuals, tips on earthquake preparedness, news media resources—are available on the Great ShakeOut website.
Learn about the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program.
Read a USGS feature story on ShakeOut.