By Myrna Trauntvein
Times-News Correspondent
The Great Utah Shake Out is coming! Are you registered and are you ready?
Juab County Sheriff's Office Emergency Management Services will be participating in the Great Utah "Shake Out" Exercise on April 17, 2012 at 10:15 am.
"We will be testing our Juab County early warning sirens in each of our communities," said Fred Smally, Juab County Deputy over Homeland Security. "We encourage all to participate in any way you choose. Register online and look to your community leaders for a community response."
Go to www.BeReadyUtah.gov and click on "The Great Utah ShakeOut" link to register.
While there also explore the ShakeOut Website.
Those who are registered will get announcements and updates about how to participate in the drill.
Become earthquake savy; know the risks and what you can do to prepare.
"We have also registered, as a school district, to participate in the 'Great Utah Shake Out,'" said Jim Shank, superintendent of schools.
Register to be counted in the ShakeOut Drill, get email updates, and more.
Between now and April 17: Consider what may happen when an earthquake shakes your area. Plan what you will do now to prepare, so that when it happens you will be able to protect yourself and then recover quickly.
Talk to other people about what they have done, and encourage them to join you in getting more prepared.
Download Audio and Video "Drill Broadcast" recordings that have been created in English and Spanish to provide instructions during your drill (Video versions have text captions).
On April 17, 10:15 a.m.: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Drop to the ground, take Cover under a table or desk, and Hold On to it as if a major earthquake were happening (stay down for at least 60 seconds). Practice now so you will immediately protect yourself during earthquakes! For people with disabilities or access and functional needs, download the preparedness guide.
While still under the table, or wherever you are, look around and imagine what would happen in a major earthquake. What would fall on you or others? What would be damaged? What would life be like after? What will you do before the actual earthquake happens to reduce losses and quickly recover?
Practice what you will do after the shaking stops.
After your drill is complete, have discussions about what was learned and incorporate these lessons into your disaster plan.
What we do now, before the earthquake, will determine what our lives will be like after. The following are key actions from the Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety which has additional things you can do to prepare.
Invite everyone who matters to you to register for the ShakeOut. With your help this can become the largest earthquake drill in U.S. history.
Host a ShakeOut Block Party. Invite your neighbors over for a treat and share preparedness information, exchange phone numbers, and create an inventory of special skills (search and rescue, first aid, equipment) and needs (elderly, children, pets, medication, etc.) in your community. Also, encourage everyone to register while there, especially those without internet access.
Encourage your community, faith-based group, or employer to register for the ShakeOut as well, and to develop ShakeOut participation events.
Do a "hazard hunt" for items that might fall in your home during earthquakes and secure them.
Create a personal or family disaster-preparedness plan.
Plan for your family's specific needs (seniors, disabled, children, pets); teach all household members how to use a fire extinguisher; create wallet cards for each family member with essential contact information
Organize or refresh your emergency supply kits.
Store at least one gallon of water per person, per day, for three days and ideally for two weeks.
What else would you need to be on your own for up to two weeks?
What would you need if you are in your car or office when the earthquake strikes?
Identify your building's weaknesses. Ask a local earthquake retrofitting contractor for a free structural inspection of your home or building. Also, review your insurance coverage, whether home-owner or renter. Consider whether earthquake insurance is right for you.
Create a game where everyone responds to a signal by practicing Drop Cover and Hold On. Talk to your children about what to expect during and after an earthquake.
Enroll in a local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training to learn more about how to take care of yourself and your family when you are "on your own" after a disaster.
For further local information contact Smalley at the Juab County Sheriff's Office.
