In light of the earthquake experienced in Virginia last year, we would like to encourage all residents, businesses, and schools  to take part in the U.S. Shakeout Earthquake Drill. The largest earthquake drill in central U.S. history will be held on February 7 at 11:15 a.m. EST.

The annual central U.S. ShakeOut is an earthquake drill organized and coordinated by the Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium and its Member and Associate States, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Geological Survey and dozens of other partners.

This is an opportunity for the whole community to participate in a simultaneous drill to practice the appropriate actions during an earthquake, which is Drop, Cover, and Hold On and to exercise earthquake plans.

You only have seconds to react in an earthquake, so it is important to know what to do. On February 7 you can practice the following:

• DROP to the ground,
• Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and
• HOLD ON until the shaking stops.

The ShakeOut is FREE and open to the general public. You can get more information and/or register to participate by visiting www.shakeout.org/centralus. For more information on earthquake preparedness tips, visit www.readyvirginia.gov.