What will you be doing at 10:16 a.m. on Oct. 16? The Washington National Guard's Emergency Management Division would like to make a suggestion. The Great Washington ShakeOut, an annual campaign and event to promote earthquake preparedness, will culminate at that exact moment and the planners would like you to "drop, cover and hold on." 

"This is a way to empower local communities and businesses to be earthquake ready," explained John Schelling, earthquake program manager for the state of Washington who works at the EMD on Camp Murray.

The Great ShakeOut actually began in California in 2008 and in just six years, it has become an international program with Washington joining in three years ago.

While specific earthquake hazards vary across the state, most of Washington is prone to earthquakes. In fact, according to Schelling, more than 2,000 earthquakes happen annually in Washington but they are typically small and go unnoticed. However, that also means that the area is susceptible to larger earthquakes and when one does happen, there may not be much warning. Furthermore, in addition to the many known and suspected faults statewide, there are infrastructure weaknesses stemming from bridges, roadways and buildings that were built many years ago which could exacerbate that earthquake's effects.

"Serious earthquakes don't happen every day, but people need to be prepared in case it does," he said. "We cannot prevent one but we can all be prepared."

Being prepared involves not only surviving the initial event, but also being able to recover once the damage is done. Families should have a plan in place that consists of supplies and a secure place to take shelter, or, more accurately, drop, cover and hold on.  

"The schools are very involved with the Great ShakeOut and that should make it easier for parents to discuss the family plan over dinner that night," Schelling added.

Currently, there are 410,000 residents registered to participate, but the goal is to reach one million, Schelling stated.

While the registration is preferred, the drills are mostly coordinated and conducted independently so the Great ShakeOut website offers customized resources for businesses, schools, neighborhood associations and every group in between to help organize drills.

"The military in our community may be unfamiliar with earthquakes depending on where they are from originally, so we want them to be part of the Great ShakeOut," Schelling said. "And in case of an extreme situation, the military might have to assist with responding to the earthquake so it is important for them to ensure that their families are taken care of and ready."

"The real point is to take at least one minute out of a busy day to focus on this and then use that momentum to do one more thing," Schelling continued.

The one more thing can be as simple as stocking up on water at Costco or replacing food items that are part of your earthquake kit, which should have enough food and water for every family member, including pets, for a minimum of 72 hours.

"Some people might be scared to think about an earthquake, but look at it this way, being prepared for an earthquake also means that you'll be prepared for the next winter storm or power outage," he said.

To register for the Great Washington SkakeOut or obtain more resources for your own drill, go to http://shakeout.org/washington/.