If you’ve been here long, you know that the Great ShakeOut  happens every year on the third Thursday of October. And to make it easy to remember, the time of the Drop, Cover, and Hold On drill is the same as the day.

So this year, we ask folks to join us in the annual earthquake preparedness drill at 10:16 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16.

Seems pretty simple, right?  When your timer goes off, stop what you’re doing, get under your desk and grab hold. But here’s the rub: you have to actually do it before this life-saving action becomes muscle memory. Otherwise we’re more likely to follow basic instinct.

Human tendency is to run somewhere; however, that can take you away from safety and into harm’s way. The reality is we’re less likely to be hurt by our building collapsing than we are by everything that’s falling through the air outside, such as glass, bricks or live wires.

Of course, if you’re already outside when an earthquake starts, what to do depends on where you are.  In a car?

• Pull off to the side of the road and set your parking brake
• But if you’re on a bridge, continue driving until it’s safe to pull over
• Stay inside the vehicle until shaking stops
• If a power line falls on your car, stay inside until a utility worker says you’re safe
• If the roadway is clear, you may resume driving; however, be wary of fallen debris, large cracks or shifted pavement

What if you’re near the water, say at Waypoint Park or strolling along Semiahmoo spit? Earthquakes in our coastal community could cause a tsunami. So if any of these things occur:

• The ground starts shaking
• You hear a siren
• Water recedes from the shoreline, then
• Grab your Go Bag and
• Head for high ground immediately

In all cases, your best outcome depends on preparedness and how quickly you respond. Since an earthquake or tsunami could damage roads; you may not be able to drive out so it will be essential to know your walking route to safety – wherever you may be.

If you practice walking escape routes a few times a month, you’re building muscle memory. That’s one goal of the Great ShakeOut. Think about it, plan for it, practice it – and when the ground starts shaking for real, you’ll be ready.

Amy Cloud is the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management.  She was born and raised locally, leaving for Whitman College and work in Seattle, Knoxville and Washington, D.C. She returned to work as Supervising News Producer and reporter for KVOS-TV’s NewsView before switching to communications for WWU, PeaceHealth and the City of Bellingham. She also co-chairs the Community PIO Group and is a member of the Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues.