# 6287
Later today (April 17th), Utah will stage their very first ever Great Utah Shakeout drill, where nearly 1 million Utahns will practice the `Drop, Cover and Hold On’ technique across the state.
This drill is based on the very successful Great California ShakeOut, which has spawned other drills in the Pacific Northwest and Midwest (see A Whole Lotta Shakeouts Goin' On).
The USGS map below shows that most of the United State’s population lives in a seismically active region.
While California has the biggest reputation for earthquakes, the Pacific Northwest, Midwest, Eastern Seaboard, and a number of western states (including Utah) are not immune.
BeReadyUtah.gov has produced a 5 minute video showing what the aftermath of a strong quake in Utah would be like.
If you are living in Utah, plan to take part in today’s drill. Knowing what to do during an earthquake can literally save your life.
Earthquakes, like Hurricanes, Tornados, Floods, and yes . . . even pandemics . . . are hazards everyone should be aware of, and prepared to deal with.
Everyone needs an appropriate disaster plan, just as everyone should have a good first aid kit, a `bug-out bag’, and sufficient emergency supplies to last a bare minimum of 72 hours.
For more on disaster preparedness, I would invite you to visit Ready.gov or revisit these blogs:
