Guam will take part in the world’s largest earthquake drill, the Great ShakeOut. On Thursday, October 21, 2021, at exactly 10:21 a.m. (ChST), participants will practice the earthquake response procedure; “Drop, Cover and Hold On” from wherever they are. The drill will last for one minute.
The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense (GHS/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.
“It is a good idea to practice earthquake safety in different situations,” said Patrick Leon Guerrero, Office of Civil Defense Acting Administrator. “Use this drill to prepare for earthquake hazards, especially during a pandemic, by incorporating proper social distancing and a safe evacuation procedure after an earthquake. Practice with us on October 21, in a safe environment, so we are all better prepared for when the next earthquake occurs.”
To participate in this year’s ShakeOut, residents must register online at https://www.shakeout.org/guam/ or call GHS/OCD at (671) 475-9600 for assistance. The ShakeOut website provides drill manuals, tips on earthquake safety and other resources for developing a disaster plan. Residents may register as an individual, 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 17 million ShakeOut participants from across the world from U.S., Hawaii, British Columbia, CNMI, New Mexico, Puerto Rico, Southern Italy, and other various regions.
-###-
