By Shannon Kirchberg
Director of Emergency Management
City of Des Moines
On Thursday morning, Oct. 17, 2024, at 10:17 a.m., our city will join millions of people across the state for the Great Washington ShakeOut, a statewide earthquake drill that offers a crucial opportunity to prepare for the unpredictable.
Whether you’re at home, work, or school, I urge all residents of Des Moines to take part in this vital event. By participating, you can help ensure that you, your family, and your community are better prepared for the next major earthquake.
Why Preparation Is Critical
Here in the Pacific Northwest, we live in an area that’s vulnerable to earthquakes. The Cascadia Subduction Zone and other fault lines mean that a major seismic event is not a matter of “if,” but “when.” The last thing you want to be during an earthquake is unprepared.
Participating in the Great ShakeOut is a small but powerful way to ensure you’re ready for such an event. It’s more than just “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”—it’s an opportunity to evaluate your emergency plans and improve your readiness in case disaster strikes.
Why Planning Isn’t Enough: The Importance of Practice
Many of us think about emergencies and may even have a disaster plan in place, but have you practiced it? During an emergency, fear and stress can cloud your judgment, making it difficult to remember the right steps to take. **That’s why practicing is so important**—it helps make your plan second nature, so when the time comes, you can respond automatically.
During the Great ShakeOut, you can:
- Test your emergency supplies: Do you have enough food, water, and medication for at least three days? A week? How about 2 weeks?
- Review your family communication plan: How will you reconnect with loved ones if phone lines are down? Have you identified an out of state contact for everyone to reach out to? If you cant call in State you most likely will be able to call out of State. Pick an out of state emergency contact to help ensure your loved ones are safe.
- Identify safe spots in your home or office: Know where to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” to protect yourself from falling debris.
How to Participate
It’s easy to join the ShakeOut. Simply mark your calendar for October 17, 2024, at 10:17 a.m., and set an alarm to remind you to drop what you’re doing and follow the steps:
- DROP to your hands and knees to prevent being knocked down.
- COVER your head and neck under a sturdy table or desk, or use your arms to protect yourself if shelter isn’t available.
- HOLD ON to the table or furniture, and be ready to move with it until the shaking stops.
The drill takes only a few minutes but could make all the difference during a real emergency.
Make It a Community Effort
Encourage your neighbors, family, and coworkers to participate as well. The more people who are prepared, the more resilient our entire community will be in the face of disaster. If your workplace, school, or organization hasn’t signed up for the ShakeOut yet, you can register at: www.ShakeOut.org/Washington to make sure everyone is involved.
Stay Safe, Stay Prepared
Earthquakes may be inevitable, but the damage they cause doesn’t have to be. By taking part in the Great Washington ShakeOut, you’re taking a proactive step toward ensuring the safety and well-being of your family and your community.
Let’s all make sure that when the ground starts shaking, we’re ready.
For more information or to discuss emergency preparedness in Des Moines, feel free to reach out to me at skirchberg@desmoineswa.gov. Together, we can create a safer, more resilient city.
“Be Prepared!”
Be sure to check out our local resources and emergency preparedness tips at www.desmoineswa.gov/emergency.
