Four years ago, Virginians were surprised to find themselves at the epicenter of a 5.8 magnitude earthquake. Many residents had never felt an earthquake and were unsure how to respond. In an effort to recall that earthquakes can occur in Charlottesville and to practice the safest responses, U.Va. will join a multi-state simultaneous drill called the "Great Southeast Shakeout" on Oct 15 at 10:50 a.m.  You can learn more about the drill at www.shakeout.org/southeast or www.ReadyVirginia.gov.  
All components of the University's emergency communication system, including the siren and public address system, will be used to communicate this earthquake drill.
Please take part in the earthquake drill on October 15 as your time allows. We do not expect you to interrupt class, patient care, or essential services to participate. Depending on your schedule, you may want to take the opportunity now to plan what you would do in an earthquake. If you are available during the drill, use that time to practice your response.
To respond to an earthquake, you should:
Drop!
Cover!
Hold On!
RESPONSE DURING AN EARTHQUAKE
- If you are inside, stay there. Most injuries are caused when a person falls down or an object falls on them. 
- Drop! Cover! Hold on! 
- If there is nothing to hide under, drop to the floor and if possible, move to an inside corner of a room and cover your head. Avoid places where something might fall.
- If you are outside, move to a clear area if safe to do so; avoid power lines, trees, signs, buildings and other hazards. Remain in the open until the shaking stops.
- If you are in a moving vehicle, pull over to the side of the road, stop, and set the parking brake. Avoid overpasses, bridges, power lines, signs and other hazards. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking is over. If a power line falls on the car, stay inside until a trained person removes the wire.
AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE
- Look around to be sure it is safe to move.
-  Call 911 to report injuries, fire, gas leaks, debris, etc.
-  Stay alert and be aware that there could be aftershocks.
WHERE TO GET NEWS
In any emergency, the most up-to-date information will be posted on the University emergency homepage: www.virginia.edu/emergency.
University announcements will also be made on WTJU 91.1 FM radio.
Please contact the Office of Safety and Emergency Preparedness at [email protected] with questions or if your area is planning additional Shakeout activities.