University to participate in earthquake drill
Just three years ago, Virginia experienced a 5.8 earthquake centered in Louisa County that shook the Blacksburg and other Virginia Tech campuses. The quake knocked homes and buildings from foundations, destroyed schools and heavily damaged the Washington Monument.
While Virginia Tech buildings escaped damage, many members of the university community did not know the safe response to an earthquake.
On Thursday, Oct. 16 at 10:16 a.m., Virginia Tech will participate in the Great SoutEast ShakeOut, and allow the university community to practice “Drop, cover, and hold on,” the best response to an earthquake.
Should an earthquake occur:
- Drop to the ground where you are
- Take Cover under a sturdy table or desk if possible, protecting your head and neck from falling debris
- Hold On until the shaking stops
Last year, one million Virginians took part in the Great SouthEast ShakeOut, a simultaneous earthquake drill held in the southeastern U.S. to coincide with drills held in other states and several countries, giving the effect of a rolling drill.
To learn more about earthquake preparedness and other emergency responses at Virginia Tech, visit the Office of Emergency Management website or contact them at 540-231-2438.
