Media invited as emergency managers gather at emergency ops center for ShakeOut

October 17, 2013, 9:45 am - ?:? pm, in Reno, NV

Event Location:
5195 Spectrum Blvd.
Reno, NV 89557 (Map)

Event Contact:
Nicole Shearer, University of Nevada, nshearer@unr.edu, 775-784-1169

Summary:
Media invited as emergency managers gather at emergency ops center for ShakeOut

Residents, businesses urged to prepare for emergencies; drop, cover and hold-on in drill 10/17 at 10:17 a.m.


Full Description:
Media invited as emergency managers gather at emergency ops center for ShakeOut
Residents, businesses urged to prepare for emergencies; drop, cover and hold-on in drill 10/17 at 10:17 a.m.

RENO, Nev. – Media members are invited to the Regional Emergency Operations Center Thursday when, as part of their regular monthly meeting, 20 members of the Washoe Local Emergency Planning Committee will participate in an emergency drill that includes simulating a power outage at the emergency operations center for the Great Nevada ShakeOut with its Drop, Cover and Hold-on exercise. A short presentation about earthquake potential, preparedness and response will be held prior to the drill.

WHEN: 9:45 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 17. Arrive early to set up in briefing room.

WHO:

Aaron Kenneston, emergency manager, Washoe County
Ken Smith, associate director of the Nevada Seismological Laboratory, University of Nevada, Reno
Tim Spencer, emergency manager, City of Reno
Steve Driscoll, emergency manager, City of Sparks
Annie Kell, Nevada Seismological Laboratory, who survived a major Christchurch, New Zealand earthquake

WHAT: The statewide Great Nevada ShakeOut public earthquake drill to be held on 10/17 at 10:17 a.m. A short presentation will be given, prior to the drill, about the importance of having a family plan for earthquakes as well as earthquake potential, safety, preparedness and response for the public. One-on-one interviews with several area emergency managers and others will also be available.

WHERE: The Regional Emergency Operations Center briefing room and command center, located at the end of Spectrum Boulevard. Take the Dandini/Parr Blvd. Exit off Highway 395, go east and turn left at the roundabout. 5195 Spectrum Blvd. Google map: http://goo.gl/maps/u754v.

“Nevadans need to realize they live in earthquake country,” Graham Kent, Nevada Seismological Laboratory director and coordinator of the Nevada ShakeOut, said. “Nevada has the third highest incidence of large earthquakes in the United States. A major earthquake in any community, north or south, is possible.”

“The Great Nevada Shakeout is good preparation because the big one is probably sooner than most think,” Kent said. "Nevada gets about three Magnitude 7 earthquakes every century. It's been about 60 years since one of those has happened.”

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Founded in 1874 as Nevada’s land-grant university, the University of Nevada, Reno ranks in the top tier of best national universities. With nearly 19,000 students, the University is driven to contribute a culture of student success, world-improving research and outreach that enhances communities and business. Part of the Nevada System of Higher Education, the University has the system’s largest research program and is home to the state’s medical school. With outreach and education programs in all Nevada counties and home to one of the largest study-abroad consortiums, the University extends across the state and around the world. For more information, visit www.unr.edu.

Media Contact:
Nicole Shearer
Communications Officer
University Communications, Office of the President
University of Nevada, Reno/108
Reno, NV 89557
775-784-1169
nshearer@unr.edu
Media newsroom: http://newsroom.unr.edu