Many areas of the globe are prone to earthquakes. You could be anywhere when an earthquake strikes: at home, at work, at school or even on vacation. Are you prepared to survive and to recover quickly?
Shore Regional Health will participate in the Great Southeast Shake Out earthquake drill on Thursday, October 18, at 10:18am. An overhead announcement will be made at UM Shore Medical Centers at Chestertown, Dorchester and Easton announcing the Great Shake Out drill. All team members should “Drop, Cover and Hold On,” as follows:
DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down and also allows you to stay low and crawl to shelter if nearby.
COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand.
- If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter? If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows)
- Stay on your knees; bend over to protect vital organs
HOLD ON until the shaking stops.
- Under shelter: hold on to it with one hand; be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts
- No shelter: hold on to your head and neck with both arms and hands.
In the meantime, take a minute to look around your office, workstation or unit.What could fall or move during an earthquake that could put you or others in danger of injury? What if the building is damaged and we need to evacuate our patients and others out? Beth Copp, regional manager, Emergency Preparedness, will send a feedback form out after the drill to see if there’s any opportunities to improve our environments or plans for this type of event. Thanks for your support!