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Va. joining ‘Shakeout’ natural disaster drill October 15

Homeland Security officials say Indiana is exposed to a serious threat of earthquakes because of the New Madrid Seismic Zone, located 180 miles southwest of Evansville, and the Wabash Valley Seismic Zone in southeastern Illinois and southwestern Indiana.

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Federal, state and local emergency management experts all agree that “Drop, Cover and Hold On” are the appropriate actions to reduce injury and death during earthquakes. “The ShakeOut drill is a flawless opportunity to prepare an emergency recovery plan with family members, coworkers and schoolmates”. Therefore it is important that residents know how to be safe when the earth shakes.

Virginia joined the drill following the August 23, 2011, powerful natural disaster that rocked the East Coast and was centered in Mineral. More than 1 million Virginians participated in the drill past year. “It registered a 5.6 on the scale and caused considerable damage”.

Additional tips for preparing for earthquakes are also available at www.ready.gov/earthquakes. Participation is entirely voluntary and organizations can choose their level of involvement. At altusem.blogspot.com information about emergency management is found.

Civil Defence has received over a million registrations from schools, businesses and individuals wishing to participate in ShakeOut.

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Although many Georgians believe the state is not prone to this type of natural disaster, the state has a history of quake hazards dating back to 1811.

Thousands Sign Up for Earthquake Drill