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Community Invited to Participate in the Great Guam ShakeOut

  • Published
  • OFFICES OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND CIVIL DEFENSE

In less than a month, Guam will take part in the world’s largest earthquake drill, the Great ShakeOut. On October 19, 2017 at exactly 10:19 a.m. (ChST), participants will practice the earthquake response procedure; “Drop, Cover and Hold On” as advised by the Great ShakeOut organization. The drill will last for one minute.

The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense (OHS/OCD) encourage all residents to increase earthquake preparedness and response by practicing how to protect themselves during an earthquake and how to ensure an earthquake disaster does not become a catastrophe. The ShakeOut participation provides the opportunity to evaluate emergency plans, increase awareness of earthquake safety, and improve resiliency within your community.

“Guam, like many areas across the globe, is prone to earthquakes,” stated Charles Esteves, Office of Civil Defense Administrator. “An earthquake can happen anytime. It is important to have open discussions with family, coworkers, and friends to review earthquake procedures and plans. So please join us for the world’s largest earthquake drill and help to build a more resilient island community.”

To participate in this year’s ShakeOut, residents must register online at http://www.shakeout.org/guam/ or call (671) 475-9600. The ShakeOut website provides drill manuals, tips on earthquake safety and other resources for developing a disaster plan. Residents may register as an individual, as a family, school, business, or other group and are encouraged to share photos of their ShakeOut experience on the Great Guam ShakeOut website.

Island residents will join over 19 million ShakeOut participants from across the U.S., Hawaii, British Columbia, CNMI, New Mexico, Puerto Rico, Southern Italy, and other various regions.

For more information, contact Public Information Officer, Jenna G. Blas at (671) 478-0208 or via email at jenna.blas@ghs.guam.gov.