PORT ANGELES — Clallam and Jefferson County officials are encouraging residents to participate in the Great Washington Shakeout statewide earthquake drill today.
Tsunami warning sirens on the North Olympic Peninsula and other coastal areas will be activated at 10:15 a.m. in a special test that is part of the drill.
This test will include a full three-minute blast of the warning sirens along with loudspeaker messages indicating it is a test.
Typically, monthly tests include the Westminster chimes, followed by an abbreviated voice message.
It’s important to test out the real siren sounds so the public is familiar with its sound and local governments can use it as a training opportunity, officials said.
Citizens are encouraged to participate in a “drop, cover and hold on” drill and then take at least one additional step to prepare themselves and their families for earthquakes.
“Without doubt, we strongly encourage Jefferson County residents to take part in this drill,” Jefferson Emergency Management Director Bob Hamlin said.
“You don’t have to get in your car and drive someplace to participate.”
Clallam County Emergency Management officials were not available for comment Tuesday.
Movers, shakers
The North Olympic Library System, Jefferson County Library, Jamestown S’Klallam Tribal Library and Port Townsend Library also will participate in earthquake drills, officials said.
In Clallam County, staff at the North Olympic Library System branches in Port Angeles, Sequim, Forks and Clallam Bay will lead the drills by making an announcement at 10:15 a.m. and instructing patrons and staff to drop to the ground, take cover under a desk or sturdy table and hold on for the remainder of the 90-second drill.
Libraries to participate
Staff at the other Peninsula libraries also will lead drills.
While in the home or office, people should take a few minutes to look up and overhead for items that may come crashing down during an earthquake and then either secure them in place or move them to a lower level.
Framed artwork, heavy decorative items and wall-mounted television sets are a few of the things to consider securing in place or moving.
Last year, more than 1 million participated in the Great Washington Shakeout.
For more information on the Great Washington Shakeout, visit www.shakeout.org/washington.
