Next week, the public is invited to participate in Earthquake Preparedness Week with web-based training opportunities with the Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense.

Earthquake Preparedness Week runs from Aug. 2-8 as a collaboration between federal, territorial and local emergency management agencies, community leaders, and the public, according to a Homeland Security, Civil Defense release. The dates commemorate the 7.9 magnitude earthquake that struck on Aug. 8, 1993. The week provides an opportunity to highlight the island's response and recovery to earthquake and tsunami threats. 

During the week, the agencies will promote information, including how to build an emergency communication plan, what to do before, during and after an earthquake, and awareness information along with three web-based training opportunities:

· FEMA P-1000, Safer, Stronger, Smarter: A Guide to Improving School Natural Hazard Safety

o Monday, Aug. 3,  9 to 11 a.m. (ChST)

o The web-based training is designed for school administrators, facilities managers, emergency managers, emergency planning committees, teachers and staff at K-12 schools.

· FEMA 395, Earthquake Safety and Mitigation for Schools

o Tuesday, Aug. 4, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (ChST)

o The web-based training is designed for school officials, school administrators, teachers, facility managers, engineers, and other stakeholders interested in reducing earthquake risks in school facilities.

· FEMA E-74, Reducing the Risks of Nonstructural Earthquake Damage

o Wednesday, Aug. 5, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (ChST)

o The web-based training is designed for property owners, facility managers, local officials, engineers, architects, small businesses, and emergency managers. 

Those interested in participating and finding more information throughout the weeks can follow Guam Homeland Security on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GHSOCD/, follow @guamhomelandsecurity on Instagram and visit the GHS/OCD website at www.ghs.guam.gov.

EPW will also be used to encourage registration and participation in the upcoming, island-wide earthquake drill, the Great Guam ShakeOut scheduled for Oct. 15, 2020 at 10:15 a.m. The ShakeOut drill encourages residents to practice their earthquake procedure, “Drop, Cover and Hold On” to promote earthquake safety:

· 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

o If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter

o If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows)

o Stay on your knees, bend over to protect vital organs

· HOLD ON until the shaking stops

o Under shelter: hold on to it with one hand; be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts

o No shelter: hold on to your head and neck with both arms and hands

To register to participate in the Great Guam ShakeOut and for more information, visit https://www.shakeout.org/guam/.

 

For more information on EPW, contact Tsunami Specialist, Denille Calvo at (671) 475-9600 or via email at [email protected].