'ShakeOut' set for October 19

The Great Oregon ShakeOut is set for 10:19 a.m. on October 19.

The ShakeOut is a self-led earthquake drill taking place worldwide.

Nearly 500,000 Ore-gonians have registered, pledging to Drop, Cover, and Hold On for at least 60 seconds as if a major earthquake was occurring at that moment. Oregon is vulnerable to a potentially massive subduction zone earthquake on the coast.

That is the protocol emergency management experts say is the best response to an earthquake.

When the ground starts to shake, or you receive an earthquake alert on a cell phone:

• Drop immediately onto hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down and allows you to stay low and crawl to nearby shelter. If you use a wheelchair or walker, lock your wheels.

• Cover your head and neck with one arm and hand. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter. If there is no nearby shelter, crawl next to an interior wall away from windows. Remain on your knees and bend over to protect vital organs.

• Hold On until the shaking stops. If under a shelter, hold on to it with one hand and be ready to move with the shelter if it shifts. If there is no shelter, hold on to your head and neck with both arms and hands.

If you’re near the ocean and feel a large earthquake, Drop, Cover, and Hold On until the shaking stops. Then walk inland and up to high ground. Do not wait for an official warning, as a tsunami could come ashore in a few minutes.

For more information visit https://www.shakeout.org/oregon/