RICHMOND, Va. -- Today schools and businesses are taking steps to make sure you and your kids are ready in case another earthquake hits Central Virginia. It's hard for many of us to forget the tremors caused by a quake centered in Louisa three years ago. The powerful force from Mother Nature sent students and others running for cover in the middle of the day.
At 10:16 a.m. on today 10/16 folks from across Central Virginia and the country are expected to take place in an annual earthquake drill. This will include those in Maryland, West Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.
In total 1,209,216 people/businesses in Virginia have registered to take part this year. That's more than the 1.1 million Virginians who signed up last year; and 900,000 the year before.
The idea behind the Great ShakeOut is to practice how to "Drop, Cover and Hold on" in the event another quake hits.
In 2011 students in Louisa County experienced a 5.8 magnitude quake that hit near Mineral
If there's an earthquake in the future, here are things to remember:
- Drop to the ground
- Cover yourself with a desk or table and hold onto it
- If you`re not near a table, drop to the floor near an interior wall and cover head
- If you`re outside, move to a clear and open area.
For more ways on how to protect yourself and your family click here. For steps to take to make sure your home is earthquake ready click here.
