Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill on Oct. 17

The CNMI Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is gearing up for this year’s Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill, scheduled for Oct. 17, starting at 10:17am.

In a media release yesterday, CNMI HSEM extended an invitation to all community members, businesses, and organizations to participate in the annual drill, in an effort aimed at educating the public on earthquake preparedness and survival tactics.

The event encourages individuals, families, schools, businesses, and organizations across the islands to practice the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” procedure, which experts recommend as the safest response to an earthquake. Participants are invited to register online and share their participation on social media, using the hashtag #ShakeOut and tagging CNMI HSEM.

HSEM shared that 2.4 million people have registered for the event, and worldwide, more than 45 million are expected to take part. The drill, though lasting only one minute, is to help serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of earthquakes and the importance of being prepared.

“This is a critical opportunity for us to ensure everyone knows what to do when an earthquake strikes,” said Franklin R. Babauta, special assistant to the governor for Homeland Security. “We encourage all residents to take part, not just as individuals, but within their families, schools, and workplaces.”

While participation in the drill is self-led, it can be done anywhere, including homes, schools, or virtually through videoconferencing. The drill aims to inspire participants to take further steps in disaster readiness beyond the basic procedures.

To participate, one can register at https://www.shakeout.org/cnmi/to be counted and get updates, and then on Oct. 17, 2024, at 10:17am, “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” wherever you are. The drill will last for one minute. Also encourage family, friends, and colleagues to join you, and post photos and videos of your drill using #ShakeOut, and tag CNMI HSEM.

For more information, individuals can contact HSEM public information officer Bernard Villagomez at (670) 287-7106 or via email at b.villagomez@cnmihsem.gov.mp. To register for the drill, visit ShakeOut CNMI.