Emergency managers gear up for Great Washington Shakeout

According to the Department of Natural Resources, Washington has experienced 15 major earthquakes since 1970, including the most recent one centered near the Puget Sound in 2001.

But there are earthquakes recorded in the state nearly every day, and that is why state and regional emergency management agencies coordinate the Great Washington Shakeout to provide information and training on how to prepare for a quake.

"We really don't see the effects of earthquakes that much in the Tri-Cities, but if we go to other areas where the hazard is higher,  they'll know what to do then and there," said Sean Davis, Emergency Management Director for Franklin County.

As part of the Great Washington Shakeout on Thursday, October 17, 2019, at 10:17 am, students at schools across Franklin County will take part in a mock earthquake drill, to practice what they learned about earthquake safety.

"Stop, Cover, and Hold on. Basically, what we're asking children to do is to get under a desk in case books or book cases or fixtures are falling, that way they're under a structure that can provide them, at that time, probably the best protection they can have," Davis said.

So far, more than 71,000 students and other residents from our region have registered to take part in the exercise, including 23,000 from Franklin County, 17,000 in Benton County, and 5,800 in Walla Walla County.