A Message from Whatcom County Public Works Safety & Training Coordinator Gabel Bredy:

Our region lies above a number of active fault lines capable of causing large earthquakes. Whatcom County Public Works considers earthquake planning to be a high priority for the safety of our employees and due to our role in ensuring public safety and restoring services in the event of an earthquake.

As part of our earthquake planning, I am proud to announce that Whatcom County Public Works will be taking part in ‘The Great Shakeout,’ an internationally synchronized earthquake drill on October 20, 2022, at 10:20 am. At that time, participants are encouraged to ‘drop, cover, and hold’ as if a real earthquake were occurring. Whatcom County Public Works will be conducting internal drills & training that day, and we encourage the public to participate at home. This drill is a great opportunity to evaluate your home and workplace for earthquake safety. Do you have locations in which to drop and cover? What furniture or structures could become unstable in an earthquake? Do you have a basic supply kit to take with you in the event that you must leave your home or workplace?

Resources to help you and your family prepare are available now at fema.gov and usgs.gov. To learn more about The Great Shakeout, and see which other local businesses and organizations are participating, go to shakeout.org.