The Great NorthEast ShakeOut

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Why Should You Participate?

Map of earthquake history of the Northeast

Earthquakes from October, 1975 to March, 2010 (Weston Observatory)

While earthquake hazard varies from state to state (see below), most of the Northeast is prone to earthquakes. You could be anywhere when an earthquake strikes: at home, at work, at school or even on vacation in another region where earthquake are more common.

What we do now will determine our quality of life after our next big earthquake. Are you prepared to survive and recover quickly?

The Great NorthEast ShakeOut is a regional opportunity to practice how to be safer during big earthquakes: "Drop, Cover and Hold On." The ShakeOut has also been organized to encourage you, your community, your school, or your organization to review and update emergency preparedness plans and supplies, and to secure your space in order to prevent damage and injuries.

Benefits

Register today so that you or your organization will:

Be counted in the largest-ever earthquake drill in the Northeast!
Be listed with other registrants in your area (Optional)
Be an example that motivates others to participate & prepare
Be updated with ShakeOut news and preparedness tips
Have peace of mind that you, your family, your co-workers and millions of others will be better prepared to survive and recover quickly from our next big earthquake!

EARTHQUAKE HAZARDS

Hazard Information for your State:

Earthquakes information by state (United States Geological Survey)

Recent Earthquakes in the Northeast (Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University)

Earthquake Information for the Northeast (Northeast States Emergency Consortium)

Earthquakes In and Near the Northeastern United States, 1638-1998 (United States Geological Survey)

Why Does the Earth Quake in New England? (Weston Observatory, Boston College)

Why Drop, Cover, and Hold On?

Why is it important to do a Drop, Cover, and Hold On drill? 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. Practicing helps you be ready to respond.

If you are inside a building, move no more than a few steps, then Drop, Cover and Hold On:
- DROP to the ground (before the earthquake drops you!),
- Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and
- HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops.
Stay indoors till the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to exit. In most buildings in the Northeast you are safer if you stay where you are until the shaking stops.

If you are outdoors when the shaking starts, you should find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines, then Drop, Cover and Hold On. Stay there until the shaking stops.

If you are driving, pull over to a clear location, stop and stay there with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops. Once the shaking stops, proceed with caution and avoid bridges or ramps that might have been damaged.

Ground shaking during an earthquake is seldom the cause of injury. Most earthquake-related injuries and deaths are caused by collapsing walls and roofs, flying glass and falling objects. It is extremely important for a person to move as little as possible to reach the place of safety he or she has identified because most injuries occur when people try to move more than a short distance during the shaking.

Look around you now, before an earthquake. Identify safe places such as under a sturdy piece of furniture or against an interior wall in your home, office or school so that when the shaking starts you can respond quickly. An immediate response to move to the safe place can save lives. And that safe place should be within a few steps to avoid injury from flying debris.

Further information:

Drop, Cover, and Hold On!