The Great Utah Shakeout--It's Coming!

Drop, cover, and hold on. According to the American Red Cross and Ready.Gov, doing these three things will protect you during an earthquake. On April 17^th, 2014 at 10:15 a.m., our team at Emergency Essentials will practice our Earthquake Preparedness as we participate in the Great Utah Shakeout, a state-wide earthquake drill. If you followed our blog last year, you’ll know that we did this drill last April as well, and it was an eye opening experience. Here are a couple of tips we learned from last year’s Shakeout that can help you and your family survive an earthquake. 1. Practice Makes Perfect. Replace out when the Shakeout is happening in your state, territory, or region, and sign up. If there isn’t a Shakeout in your area, hold a family or community drill of your own. 2. Learn to Drop, Cover, and Hold on. Drop to the floor and Replace a sturdy desk or table to get under. If you can’t Replace a sturdy table or desk, the Red Cross also suggests “sitting on the floor next to an interior wall [or corner away from windows] and cover your head and neck with your arms”

Sarah hiding under her desk

CAUTION: It’s safer to get onto all fours, so you’ll need enough space under your desk to do that. Once you've dropped under your desk for cover, hold onto your head. 3. Stay in the Building until the Shaking Stops. If you’re told to evacuate after the quake, use the stairs and not the elevator.

Our assembly staff, evacuating the building post-quake.

4. Teach your family and friends what you’ve learned about earthquake safety so they can be prepared, too. You can read up on earthquake safety by checking our Insight Articles for what to do before, during, and after an earthquake.

If you practice the drop, cover, and hold on technique now, you’ll know exactly what to do to keep yourself safe in an earthquake. If you live in Utah, you can begin preparing for an earthquake by joining us as we participate in the Utah Shakeout this year. Come in to one of our stores on April 17^th at 10:15 a.m. and participate in the drill there. We’ll have free samples of our food storage items, a “readiness rally” where you can practice your prepping skills and get a chance to win a prize! Happy Prepping! ~Angela and Steph Sources http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/earthquake