Drop, cover, and hold on.  How many folks knew what to do here in Virginia in Augus 22t, 2011, the day of OUR big earthquake?  I sure didn’t so I sat there yelling ” earthquake!!!!”  Probably not as dumb of an idea as what some people did but not real productive.

What I do remember afterwards is all the people who insisted that you were supposed to run outside.  Probably 75% of the people I talked to swore on a stack of bibles the “getting outside” thing was right off the earthquake civil defense how-to page.  Well, not so.

Now that we are not earthquake proof here in the Old Dominion, it sounds like a good idea to do the drill, especially in schools.  One of the most harrowing descriptions of that earthquake I have heard was from my friend John who was teaching in Mineral during the quake.  His school was severely damaged.  The principal and superintendant were in his room when it hit, doing the welcome back thing.   He had no idea what to do nor did any of the kids and meanwhile, tiles and ceiling grid fell all around them.  Fortunately, no one was injured but that was a lot of people trapped in one building for what turned out to be the most fearful 45 seconds of their life.

The August 22, 2011  earthquake  will probably go down as one of those unforgettable moments…where were you and what were you doing when the “big one” hit?

4 Thoughts to “‘Great Shakeout’ earthquake drill set for Oct. 18”

  1. SlowpokeRodriguez

    I’m pretty sure “get outside” applies only to tornadoes. Can’t see the damn things from inside!

  2. punchak

    Depends entirely on where you were at the time. Me, I didn’t know there had been
    an earthquake until I heard abt it on the radio. Having 20 California years behind me, however, I’m familiar with the “stop, stay inside, take cover” rule.
    The “hold on” is a new one for me, but I’ll remember it

  3. So, when can we expect hurricanes to start hitting California? Only fair, right?

    1. They hit Washington State frequently. Hurricanes that is.

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