Hughes' Students Ready For Great ShakeOut

Students at Langston Hughes Middle School will "drop, cover and hold on" Thursday morning as they take part in an earthquake drill as part of the Great ShakeOut.

More than 400,000 Virginians are expected to take part in the Great ShakeOut, a worldwide earthquake drill set for 10:18 a.m. on Oct. 18.

The US Geological Survey says earthquakes pose a risk to more than 165 million people in 37 states. Virginia was hit by a 5.8 magnitude earthquake in August of 2011.

"It’s a great opportunity for residents to practice what they’d do if we have another earthquake anytime soon, as well as a 'top of mind' awareness about the importance of being prepared for any type of emergency situation," said Jim Person, a spokesman for Fairfax County.

Virginia has joined Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Maryland and the District of Columbia for the first Southeast ShakeOut and to help people understand the safe response to an earthquake.

The Great ShakeOut is a worldwide initative in which more than 12 million people are expected to participate.

While the program, sponsored by the USGS and other agencies, has taken place for several years in such earthquake-prone areas such as California, this is the first year Southeastern states are participating.

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