Ohio Emergency Management asks residents to participate in earthquake drill

Brace for impact, Ohio.

The Ohio Emergency Management Agency has asked the state’s residents to participate in International ShakeOut Day, a worldwide earthquake drill scheduled for Oct. 15 at 10:15 a.m.

“Many don’t think of Ohio when they think of earthquakes, but they do happen here,” said Ohio EMA Director Sima Merick in a press release. “Although Ohio earthquakes are typically on the low end of the Richter scale, you could experience a strong earthquake while visiting another state or country, so it’s important to know how to react so that you don’t get hurt.”

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Merick added that Ohio has already experienced 24 low-range earthquakes this year, including two 2.5 magnitude earthquakes in Lake and Shelby counties.

Over 9,700 Ohio residents have already registered for the drill, but we are falling well behind other states. Indiana, which isn’t exactly known for tectonic instability either, has over 345,000 participants. The Ohio EMA is encouraging households, schools, businesses, and other organizations to register their intention to participate online.

The drill will last just one minute and task Ohioans with following the earthquake protocol of Drop, Cover, and Hold On.

First, participants should drop onto their hands and knees where they are. Then, they should cover their head and neck with one arm and hand, crawling under a sturdy table and staying away from windows if possible. Finally, they are instructed to hold on until the shaking stops.

More information can be found on the ShakeOut website here.

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