The Great Oregon shakeout drill prepares students for earthquakes.
EUGENE, Ore. – When the clock struck 10:17 a.m. on October 17, participants all over the state dropped, took cover and held on for the Great Oregon Shakeout.
The statewide drill is meant to prepare everyone in the event of a major earthquake.
Though floods and ice storms are more common natural risks in the Pacific Northwest, earthquakes are still a top concern according to the Oregon Department of Emergency Management.
It’s especially important to know what to do for those who have never experienced a sizable earthquake, like many of the students at Spencer Butte Elementary school.
Students crammed under their desks, cover their heads and necks and held on tightly as a PA system simulated a major earthquake during the duration of the drill.
Teacher Lara Kimball led her class of sixth graders during the drill, but beforehand she explained the importance of earthquake preparation. As someone who …