Whether we live in earthquake country or may one day visit an area where earthquakes are possible, we need to know how to protect ourselves during earthquakes. Help us keep our students and community prepared and safe by encouraging participation in the Great SouthEast ShakeOut earthquake drill at 10:19 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19. At this time, the University will test its area warning system on the Fredericksburg and Stafford campuses. The testing will include UMW Alerts and digital screens across campus.
Each year more than 25 million people participate in Great ShakeOut earthquake drills worldwide, which encourages you to practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”:
- DROP to the ground (before the earthquake drops you!);
- COVER your head and neck with your arms and seek additional shelter by getting under a sturdy desk or table if nearby; and
- HOLD ON to your shelter and be prepared to move with it until the shaking stops.
If there is no table or desk near you, drop to the ground and then if possible get next to an interior wall of the room. Be in a crawling position to protect your vital organs and be ready to move if necessary, and cover your head and neck with your hands and arms. Do not move to another location or run outside. Earthquakes occur without any warning and may be so violent that you cannot run or crawl. These are guidelines for most situations; go to www.earthquakecountry.org/step5 to learn what to do in specific settings.
The University of Mary Washington will participate in the Great SouthEast ShakeOut earthquake drill at 10:19 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19. At this time, the University will test its area warning system, including UMW emergency notification, on the Fredericksburg and Stafford campuses.