Governor McCrory Proclaims October 17 as Earthquake Preparedness Day | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Press Release:

    Raleigh, NC - In proclaiming October 17 as Earthquake Preparedness Day, Governor Pat McCrory reminds North Carolinians how to protect themselves by using three simple steps: drop, cover and hold.

    "Parts of North Carolina felt tremors this past year, and while they are uncommon, earthquakes do happen here and it is always best to be prepared," Governor McCrory said.

    North Carolina joins six other Southeastern states in the second Great SouthEast ShakeOut, an earthquake exercise, scheduled at 10:17 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17.

    "Ground shaking from earthquakes typically lasts only a minute or two, but aftershocks can continue for several days," said North Carolina's Emergency Management Director Mike Sprayberry. "It only takes a few minutes to rehearse what to do in such an emergency, and I encourage everyone to take part in the SouthEast ShakeOut."

    Emergency Management officials are asking homeowners, businesses and schools to register their participation on the website, www.ShakeOut.org. Participants will be notified of events in their area and receive regular information on how to plan their drill and become better prepared for earthquakes and other disasters.

    Recommended actions to stay safe in an earthquake:

• Drop to the ground
• Take cover under a sturdy desk or table
• Hold on to the desk until the shaking stops.
• If there is no table or desk nearby, crouch in an inside corner of a building and cover your head and neck with your hands and arms.
• Stay away from bookshelves, lamps, TVs, cabinets and other objects as much as possible. Such items may fall and cause injuries.
• Do not get in a doorway. They are not safe and do not protect you from falling or flying objects.
• Do not run outside. Running in an earthquake is dangerous. The ground is moving making it easy to fall or be injured by falling structures, trees, debris or glass.

    The Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium (CUSEC) is coordinating the SouthEast ShakeOut event with North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia and the District of Columbia to promote earthquake awareness and preparedness.


        Call: 919-814-2100
        Email: govpress@nc.gov