October 20, 2016

You can be a part of the largest earthquake drill in the world. Today at 10:20 a.m., people from across the country and around the globe will participate in the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill. This is an annual opportunity for people in homes, schools, and businesses to practice what to do if an earthquake hits. This year, more than 19 million people are registered to participate worldwide.

The City of Philadelphia is at a low risk for earthquakes. Since the 1930s, there have been at least 12 earthquakes on record within 30 miles of the city. Most of the earthquakes had a magnitude lower than 4.0 and caused minor damage. Though unlikely, a large local earthquake with magnitude greater than 6 is not impossible.

Two of the more widely-know fault lines in and around Philadelphia are the Huntingdon Valley Fault, which runs through part of Fairmount Park and the Rosemont Fault which runs through the Wissahickon Valley. Philadelphia is built on top of a slab of Wissahickon shist, metamorphic rock that can easily transmits seismic energy.

Become informed now to be prepared if an earthquake should occur.

Information is key:

  • Sign up for the City’s mass notification system, ReadyPhiladelphia, to receive information direct from the National Weather Service as well as emergency instructions and information if an earthquake should be disastrous.
  • Follow OEM on Twitter and Like us on Facebook for important messages prior to, during, and after an emergency.

During an Earthquake

If you are inside a building, move no more than a few steps, then Drop, Cover and Hold On:

  • DROP to the ground (before the earthquake drops you!),
  • Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and
  • HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops.

Stay indoors till the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to exit. In most buildings you are safer if you stay where you are until the shaking stops.

  • If you are outdoors when the shaking starts, you should find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines, then Drop, Cover and Hold On. Stay there until the shaking stops.
  • If you are driving, pull over to a clear location, stop and stay there with your seat belt fastened until the shaking stops. Once the shaking stops proceed with caution and avoid bridges or ramps that might have been damaged.

Risks

Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects. Dangerous spots include;

  • Directly outside buildings
  • At exits
  • Alongside exterior walls.

After an Earthquake

  • When the shaking stops, look around to make sure it is safe to move.
  • Listen for instructions from building management or your supervisors. Building management will coordinate with officials to determine if evacuation is warranted.
  • Sheltering in place (remaining in your building) is often the safest response to an emergency situation.
  • If an evacuation is recommended and your High-Rise Office Building has a pre-designated Rallying Point, proceed to your Rallying Point. A Rallying Point is typically a park or other public space nearby where further instructions will be given or where further evacuation steps will be taken.
  • Expect aftershocks. These secondary shock waves are often less violent than the main quake but may cause additional damage to weakened structures.
  • Look for and extinguish small fires. Fire is the most common hazard after an earthquake.
  • Listen to a battery-operated or wind up radio or television, signup for emergency text or email alerts from ReadyPhiladelphia, follow Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management on Twitter or Facebook for the latest emergency information.
  • Telephone lines may be overloaded. ONLY use the phone to call 911 when there is an imminent threat to health and safety. Connect with loved ones through text or social media.