The Geophysical Institute is registered to take part in the Great Alaska ShakeOut on October 18, 2012. What does this mean for you? At 10:18 a.m., on that date our building will hold a “Drop, Cover and Hold On” drill. The drill will be announced over the GI’s paging system and via email. When you hear or see a message about the drill, please participate by dropping, covering your head and, if you’re near a desk or table, seek cover and hold on. The drill lasts for one minute. 

Why are “Drop, Cover and Hold On” drills important? As with anything, you act quicker when you’re well practiced. You may only have seconds to protect yourself in an earthquake before strong shaking knocks you down, or something falls on you.

Millions of Americans have participated in ShakeOuts since 2008. This is Alaska’s first ShakeOut. Please take part and get prepared. We are the most seismic state in the nation.

For more information, visit http://www.shakeout.org/alaska/. 

For details about Alaska seismicity, visit the Alaska Earthquake Information Center at http://www.aeic.alaska.edu.