Commissioners Encourage Countywide Participation in the Great Montana ShakeOut
Earthquakes Happen Here -- Be Prepared
Carbon County Commissioners encourage all county employees as well as residents, businesses and schools to participate in the “Great Montana ShakeOut” earthquake drill scheduled for 10:19 a.m. on Thursday, October 19. The Commissioners have signed Resolution 2023-25 to indicate their commitment to employee and public safety by participating in the drill. They hope you will join the millions of Americans taking part in the international drill to be better prepared in the case of an earthquake.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Carbon County is in a low to moderate earthquake frequency zone even though Montana is one of the most seismically active states in the country, with activity concentrated mostly in the mountainous western third of the state, which lies within the Intermountain Seismic Belt. A great earthquake (magnitude 8.0 or greater) is not likely in Montana, but major earthquakes with magnitudes as large as 7.5 may occur in the state.
It’s Easy The 1-minute drill is easy. Simply play the pre-recorded audio file found at www.ShakeOut.org and practice “Drop. Cover. Hold On!” in your home, office, or where you are at the time.
For earthquake safety tips if you have mobility difficulties, go to the ShakeOut.org YouTube page to view a short video. There are other videos for specific earthquake situations such as while driving, while in bed and if there is not a sturdy structure under which to take cover.
It Can Save Your Life Participation in this drill is key to preparing and protecting the public as well as reducing the loss of lives and property from a major earthquake event.
It Can Happen Here Earlier this year, on July 21, 2023, at 1:57 p.m. an earthquake with a magnitude of 3.2 occurred in Carbon County near Edgar. Taking these proactive preparedness steps today can help prevent damage and injury should a future stronger earthquake happen in our area.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
· Participate in the Drop! Cover! Hold On! Earthquake drill Thursday, October 19, 2023, at 10:19 a.m. (or when convenient)
· Take steps now to work toward securing large or tall furniture, heavy objects, wall hangings, etc.
· Visit ShakeOut.org for more information
Enroll in Carbon County's local emergency alert system, via CarbonAlert.org or downloading the CodeRED App, to stay up to date on local public safety issues and emergency notifications. Right now would be a good time to sign up!