UW Alert test and Great ShakeOut earthquake drill
UW Bothell and Cascadia College are testing the UW Alert emergency notification system today. A test message will be sent around 10:15 a.m. via email and text and posted on the UW Alert X feed and Facebook page. This is only a test.
If you don’t already receive these UW Alert notifications, sign up and learn more.
Today is also the Great ShakeOut international earthquake drill. Wherever you are, when you get today’s test message, we encourage you to practice the action that can help protect you during an earthquake:Drop, Cover and Hold On.
- Drop to your hands and knees so the shaking does not knock you down.
- Cover your head and neck and, if possible, get beneath a sturdy table or desk.
- Hold On until the shaking stops, staying with your shelter if it moves.
A few actions you can take now to be prepared for the next earthquake:
- Get earthquake alerts: iPhone and Android users can download the MyShake app, which delivers earthquake alerts and information from ShakeAlert, the West Coast earthquake early warning system. For Android users, ShakeAlert warnings are also built into the operating system.
- Check to make sure your Wireless Emergency Alerts are enabled. ShakeAlert notifications will automatically push to all phones with this enabled (similar to an Amber Alert).
- In your home, make sure large furniture is strapped down or secured, and remove any frames or other items from above sleeping areas that could fall during an earthquake.
- Check out these safety videos on how to protect yourself in various settings during an earthquake.
For more information, check out the UW Emergency Managementemergency procedures guide for earthquakes and the Washington state GreatShakeout website.