Yes Virginia, earthquakes do happen in Arizona

Tucson, Ariz. — On 17 Oct., 2013, communities throughout Arizona will participate in the second annual Great Arizona Shakeout earthquake preparedness drill: Drop, Cover, and Hold On.

The Arizona Geological Survey and Arizona Division of Emergency Management are working with county emergency management and public health departments; state, federal and local authorities; and school districts throughout the state to engage Arizonans in the ShakeOut event scheduled for 10:17 a.m. on Oct. 17.

Arizona is one of 10 western states—California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming are the others—to host a ShakeOut event. Last year, more than 14 million people participated in ShakeOut, including 62,000 Arizonans. Enrollment in the Great Arizona ShakeOut 2013 has topped 16,500.  Our goal is to engage at least 75,000 Arizonans in the two-minute Drop, Cover, and Hold On drill.

While communities in Coconino, Mohave, Yavapai and Yuma counties—and  to a lesser extent Cochise, Pima and Santa Cruz counties—are at greatest risk from earthquakes, no Arizona community is wholly immune from the shaking and damage that accompanies moderate- to large-magnitude earthquakes. 

The Arizona Broadband Seismic Network has recorded 54 earthquakes in Arizona so far in 2013; most went unfelt. The largest event, a 3.5 magnitude earthquake, occurred near Fredonia in northern Arizona. Faults in Arizona, adjacent states and Mexico are capable of damaging earthquakes up to magnitude 7.5. 

The ShakeOut drill involves practicing the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” exercise.  This simple two-minute drill has the potential to save lives and minimize injuries from earthquakes.  The Drop, Cover, and Hold On drill is:

1. Drop to the ground;

2. Take Cover under a sturdy table or desk if possible and protect your head and neck;

            3. Hold On until the shaking stops.

The Great Arizona ShakeOut provides an opportunity to practice what to do before an earthquake occurs in your community. This two-minute exercise can save lives. ShakeOut is free and open to the public.

To participate, go to www.shakeout.org/arizona/and pledge your family, school, business, or organization’s participation in the drill. Once registered, you will receive information on how to plan your drill and how to engage your community.