Media Event: Preparing for Future Earthquakes

October 18, 2012, 9:30 - 11 am, Drill/Exercise at Langston Hughes Middle School

Event Location:
Langston Hughes Middle School
11401 Ridge Heights Road
Reston, VA 20191 (Map)

Event Contact:
Jessica Robertson, US Geological Survey, jrobertson@usgs.gov, 703-648-6624

Summary:
Media are invited to join USGS Director Marcia McNutt and students at Langston Hughes Middle School as they participate in the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill. Presentations will follow from the USGS and FEMA on earthquake hazards and preparedness.


Full Description:
Are you prepared for future earthquakes? Earthquake experts from the USGS and FEMA will be with students at Langston Hughes Middle School as they participate in the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill on October 18, 2012.

During the drill, participants will "drop, cover, and hold on" to practice how to protect themselves during an earthquake. Millions of people have participated in ShakeOut drills since 2008, and this will be the first year a drill is officially held in the southeast. Earthquakes pose a risk to more than 165 million people in 37 states. Last year's earthquake in Virginia was a recent reminder that we all need to be prepared.