Darke County Red Cross is Joining the Great ShakeOut

Download the Free Earthquake App

At 10:17 a.m. on October 17, 2013, millions of people will “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” in The Great Central U.S. ShakeOut, the region’s largest earthquake drill ever! All preparedness organizations are encouraged to participate in the drill (or plan a more extensive exercise) and to inform the public about the drill. Major earthquakes may happen anywhere you live, work, or travel. The ShakeOut is our chance to practice how to protect ourselves, and for everyone to become prepared. The goal is to prevent a major earthquake from becoming a catastrophe for you, your family, and our community. On October 16th, the Darke County Commissioners will sign a proclamation supporting the ShakeOut and perhaps, will again practice their Drop, Cover and Hold On.

Why is a “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” drill important? To respond quickly you must practice often. You may only have seconds to protect yourself in an earthquake before strong shaking knocks you down, or something falls on you.

The American Red Cross Earthquake App is also available for iPhone and Android platforms. New “Shake Zone Impact Maps” provide users with personalized local impact information on the status of their community in order to help them make critical decisions. Please take a moment today to download the app and encourage your family members, friends, colleagues and social media contacts to do the same.
This is just one of two emergency drills the American Red Cross is participating in this October, the other being the Family Fire Drill Challenge on October 22 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Visit www.redcross.org/oh/greenville for more tips on family disaster drills. Don’t forget to send your photos of your drills via email, Lynne.Gump@Redcross.org, Facebook or Twitter or contact the Darke County Chapter at 937-548-1002. Remember Drop, Cover and Hold ON!