UW Emergency Management

August 24, 2016

Great UW ShakeOut is TODAY!

The countdown is on!WA_Great_Shakeout

The Great ShakeOut is a dedicated time for organizations around the world to practice the recommended actions to take as soon as the earth starts shaking. The idea is that muscle memory will win over that Fight-or-Flight instinct, and in the end we will be safer as a community.

That’s right, you have an opportunity to practice DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON at your workplace, and with thousands of people across the state on THURSDAY, October 20th at 10:20 am.

If you and your department have already determined you will be participating, register now.  One lucky registrant will be chosen at random to receive an Emergency Preparedness Starter Kit!

Ways to Participate:

  • The Basics. The simplest way to participate is to practice DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON at 10:20 am on 10/20/16.  This can be done by using the building’s Public Address (PA) system to alert occupants of the preceding drill (contact your Building Coordinator for details).  No access to your PA system, or departments in your building not participating?  Choose a team member to use whistles, a blow horn, or the like to alert department members that “This is an earthquake drill! DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON!”
  • Reaching for Gold. In addition to practicing Activity #1, some departments may also add a building evacuation drill to their earthquake drill. Be mindful that your earthquake evacuation location is not always the same location as your fire evacuation location.  Furthermore, evacuation after an earthquake is not always necessary.
  • Over Achiever (in a good way). The real superstar departments will take this time to also review any and all emergency plans as a team. Reminder: UW Emergency Management can tailor just about any training to your department’s specific needs.  Furthermore, we offer a multitude of services that are all 100% free to the UW Community. Just ask!