An earthquake is coming

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brittany Barat
  • 341st Civil Engineer Squadron Emergency Management
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  On Oct. 23, at 10:23 a.m. there's going to be an earthquake on Malmstrom Air Force Base.

No, we can't predict the future and no, there's not actually going to be an earthquake here. The Great Rocky Mountain Shakeout is a regional earthquake drill, which runs in conjunction with a worldwide one.

During the drill, people will learn to "drop, cover and hold on," fundamental actions for surviving an actual earthquake.

"It all comes down to being prepared and aware in an emergency situation," said Staff Sgt. Nathan Sisk, 341st Civil Engineer Squadron, Emergency Management NCO in charge. "Earthquakes are possible throughout Montana. In fact, small earthquakes occur almost every day somewhere in the state, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Montana is the most seismically active state."

When an earthquake occurs, people should know how to react in order to protect themselves. Earthquakes may be rare locally; however, they could happen when traveling.

More than 60,000 participants in Montana alone will be involved in the Shakeout.

To further contribute with preparedness and awareness, EM will host a Preparedness Information Fair on Oct. 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Exchange. Emergency managers will be distributing information to help attendees learn how to prepare for all hazards that could affect them in or around Malmstrom.

For more information, visit http://shakeout.org/rockymountain or call EM at 731-6632.