NextStop Blog

Have you or someone you know ever experienced a major earthquake? I haven’t and to be honest, I don’t think I would know what to do if one happened. That’s why I’m so excited Metro is participating in a national program to educate and prepare people for an earthquake.

On February 7th at 10:15 a.m., millions of residents in the central United States will participate in the largest earthquake drill ever! Metro is participating in ShakeOut, a program aimed at helping residents and organizations be better prepared, and also practice how to protect ourselves when it happens. We won’t disrupt service at 10:15 Thursday on our buses, trains or vans. Getting you to where you need to go on time is important to us– but it is also important that we help you think about how you can prepare your family for an earthquake. At 10:15, our employees who work in offices will get under their desks to protect themselves like they would during a real earthquake. Our employees who work outdoors will make mental notes of their surroundings and note what they would do if they work near MetroLink wires and power lines and other potential hazards.

Everyone can participate! Individuals, families, businesses, schools, government agencies and organizations will be taking part in ShakeOut. Major and minor earthquakes may happen anywhere you work, live, or travel in the central U.S.

The ShakeOut is our chance to practice together how to protect ourselves whether we are in the office, at school, at home, driving down the highway, or anywhere in between when an earthquake happens, and for everyone to become prepared. The goal is to save lives, reduce property damage and prevent disasters from becoming catastrophes.

Once you register, there are a ton of materials to help get you prepared. You can view earthquake scenarios, hazards information, drill manuals, and resources geared towards specific groups.

One link I found helpful had videos showing what a room without proper anchoring inside looked like during an earthquake. You can also see inside a child’s bedroom that has proper anchoring.

There is also a make your own earthquake tool that lists activities that can be used to help teach students about the characteristics of earthquake motion and how earthquakes affect structures.

Do you know how to make your home a safe space during an earthquake? The online game called Beat the Quake shows that the more you do before an earthquake, the less damage you will have.

Be counted in the largest earthquake drill in central U.S. history and set an example that motivates others to participate!