Earthquake Preparedness Gets a Practice Run October 15
More than 120 tsunami sirens along Washington’s coast will sound their actual warning wail during the October 15 drill, rather than the usual monthly test chimes. This is only a test. Do not call 911.
By. R.E. Carlino, The Sequim Post
Washington residents are encouraged to practice earthquake safety at 10:15 a.m. Thursday, October 15, as part of the annual Great Washington ShakeOut, a statewide drill that also includes tsunami siren tests along the coast.
More than 1.4 million people had registered to participate as of October 6, according to the Washington Emergency Management Division.
Residents are encouraged to practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On wherever they happen to be—at home, at work, or at school. The exercise is intended to help people respond quickly and safely when an actual earthquake occurs.
At approximately the same time, more than 120 tsunami warning sirens along Washington's inner and outer coast will sound their actual wailing warning tone, rather than the Westminster Chimes normally used during monthly tests.
Watch and listen to a recording of a tsunami warning siren test. (see at 3:09 mark)
The sirens are only a test. Residents should not call 911.
Radio and television stations will also conduct an Emergency Alert System test. NOAA Weather Radios will sound an alert, and people who have downloaded the MyShake earthquake early warning app will receive a test notification.
The Wireless Emergency Alert system that sends warnings directly to cell phones will not be tested.
Some schools will conduct tsunami evacuation drills, while certain local jurisdictions may test their emergency telephone and text notification systems.
Prepared Neighbors
This year's theme, Prepared Neighbors, emphasizes that immediately after a major earthquake or tsunami, neighbors may be the first people available to help one another before emergency responders arrive. Along with participating in the drill, residents are encouraged to take at least one additional step toward neighborhood preparedness. Learn more at https://mil.wa.gov/neighborhoods
Registration is free but not required. More information is available at the Great Washington ShakeOut website.
Residents can also learn about emergency alerts and neighborhood preparedness through the Washington Emergency Management Division.
Related:
Siren Locations - Outer Coast
Siren Location - Inner Coast
Tsunami Evacuation Zones
NOAA Tsunami Warning System
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