People everywhere should know how to protect themselves during earthquakes, and Great ShakeOut earthquake drills are an annual opportunity to practice what to do during earthquakes and improve preparedness.

All students, staff and faculty are encouraged to practice “Drop, Cover and Hold” and to participate in Emergency Management’s Great ShakeOut video contest (details below) Oct. 20.

At 10:20 a.m. on Oct. 20, the University of Oregon will join millions worldwide to practice “Drop, Cover and Hold,” the first safety steps to take in the event of an earthquake:

• DROP to the ground (before the earthquake drops you!)
• COVER your head and neck with your arms and seek additional shelter by getting under a sturdy desk or table if nearby
• HOLD on to your shelter and be prepared to move with it until the shaking stops

UO’s Great ShakeOut drill will get started with a test of the UOAlert! system. Anyone not already signed up for text notifications can opt-in using DuckWeb under the “Personal Information” menu. 

Individuals can also take steps to be more prepared for emergencies including:

• Have situational awareness and know where and how to report concerns
• Know more than one way in and out of the buildings you regularly visit
• Talk with friends and family about a plan for where to meet in the event of an emergency
• Assemble an emergency supply kit

Faculty, staff and students are invited to participate in the UO Emergency Management and Continuity’s “Great Oregon ShakeOut” video contest for a chance to win a Red Cross emergency preparedness kit and other prizes. To enter: post a short video showing your “Drop, Cover and Hold” practice to the UO Emergency Management & Continuity Facebook page.

Videos must be posted by Oct. 20 at 9 p.m. Contest winners will be decided based on creativity, enthusiasm and merit. Winners will be notified via Facebook.