Utah Shakeout Day for earthquake awareness fast approaching

Damage can be seen in Magna, the epicenter of a 5.7 earthquake on Wednesday morning, March 18, 2020, especially along historic Main street. Photo: Francisco Kjolseth/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP

PARK CITY, Utah. – April 15^th marks Utah Shakeout Day, a statewide earthquake drill. Organized by Shakeout Utah, the drill promotes statewide participation in earthquake preparation and education.

Shakeout Utah cites that 90% of the Utah population lives in active earthquake zones. The drill will practice the widely used Drop, Cover, and Hold method for earthquake safety. The website said,

“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 Utah, you are safer if you stay where you are until the shaking stops.”

Individuals, businesses, organizations, schools, and government offices are encouraged to sign up for participation. The participant tally is currently at 670,000 people and growing.

March 18, 2020, Salt Lake City and the surrounding areas experienced a 5.7 magnitude earthquake along the Wasatch fault that caused billions of dollars in damage.

For more information, text Utahquake to 43362 or visit: ShakeOut.org