Red Cross Participating in Great Central U.S. ShakeOut

American Red Cross staff and volunteers across Central and Western Oklahoma will participate in the Great Central U.S. Shakeout next week.  The second annual multi-state earthquake drill is scheduled for Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 10:15 a.m. CST.

Over two million people across several states are expected to practice Drop, Cover and Hold On and other aspects of their emergency plans.   

Due to Oklahoma’s history of earthquake activity in 2011, the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management encourages all communities and people to register so they can participate and receive information directly on how to be safe during an earthquake.

It’s not too late for families, organizations and communities to register to be included.   Just go online to:  http://www.shakeout.org/centralus/register/.

Why is it important to do a Drop, Cover, Hold On drill?  As with anything, to react quickly you must practice often.  You may only have seconds to protect yourself in an earthquake, before strong shaking knocks you down – or drops something on you.

For more information go online to www.shakeout.org/centralus and be sure to download a Red Cross Earthquake Safety Checklist:

(English)  http://www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/pdf/Preparedness/checklists/Earthquake.pdf

(Spanish) http://www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/pdf/Preparedness/checklists/Earthquake_SPN.pdf

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.okc.redcross.org or join our blog at www.redcrossoklahoma.blogspot.com.