Get ready to drop, cover and hold at 10:16 a.m. on Thursday, October 16 for International ShakeOut Day, one of the largest earthquake drills in the world that will be accompanied by a tsunami siren test.
State officials urge residents of Blaine and Birch Bay not to call 911.
The ShakeOut, which occurs on the third Thursday of October each year, is a worldwide event for people to practice their earthquake and tsunami preparedness. Over 100 tsunami sirens will be tested throughout the state during Washington’s 14th year participating in the event, officially called the Great Washington ShakeOut.
The ShakeOut is the only time of year when the sirens will be tested using the actual wail sound that plays during a tsunami warning, followed by a message clarifying it is just a drill. The standard tests, which occur at noon on the first Monday of every month, use the Westminster chimes to indicate a test.
Many Washington residents participate each year, with more than 1 million people having already registered for this year’s event, according to the Washington Emergency Management Division.
“This is a great reminder that Washington is both earthquake and tsunami country,” said Elyssa Tappero, tsunami program coordinator for the Washington Emergency Management Division.
Tappero emphasized the importance of preparedness and said participating in events such as this one is a great way to protect yourself in an emergency situation.
The siren test will be accompanied by an emergency alert system test on the radio and TV, however the wireless emergency alert text system will not be tested. Those with the free MyShake earthquake early warning app will also receive an alert.
To register for the Great Washington ShakeOut, visit.shakeout.org/washington.
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