Va. to join in ‘Shakeout’ earthquake drill in Oct.

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia emergency officials are encouraging people to register for a multi-state earthquake drill taking place this fall.

Officials say the “Great Southeast Shakeout” is set for Oct. 16 and will invoke what has become the mantra of earthquake response since then.

The action is called “drop, cover and hold on.” That means drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on until the shaking stops.

Schools, business, government agencies and individuals are expected to join in the drill.

Virginia joined the drill following the Aug. 23, 2011, powerful earthquake that rocked the East Coast and was centered in Mineral. More than one million Virginians participated in the drill last year.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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