Kirkland residents encouraged to participate in statewide earthquake exercise

Published 5:18 pm Friday, October 12, 2012

The date and time are easy to remember:  10:18 a.m. on 10/18. At 10:18 a.m. on Oct. 18, communities, governments, schools and businesses in the state will be participating in a statewide earthquake drill called “The Great Washington Shake Out,” by practicing the “drop, cover, and hold on” earthquake safety technique. City of Kirkland employees will be participating in the exercise to be coordinated by the Fire Department’s Office of Emergency Management.

“This is the largest drill conducted in Washington state and Kirkland citizens, businesses, and community organizations are encouraged to plan their own practice,” noted Fire Deputy Chief Helen Ahrens-Byington. Participants are encouraged to download resource information and to register their drill events at www.shakeout.org/washington.

In addition to participating in the October drill, residents are encouraged to complete one additional step to be better prepared for an emergency or disaster. For emergency preparedness tips for yourself, your home and business, visit www.kirklandwa.gov/prepare.