Nevada colleges join statewide ShakeOut drill for earthquake preparedness

Agency
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Patty Charlton Chancellor | Nevada System of Higher Education

The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) has announced that all eight of its institutions will take part in the Great Nevada ShakeOut on October 17, 2024, at 10:17 AM. This event is part of a global initiative aimed at promoting earthquake preparedness and safety.

The participating institutions include the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), Nevada State College (NSC), College of Southern Nevada (CSN), Great Basin College (GBC), Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC), Western Nevada College (WNC), and Desert Research Institute (DRI).

Given that Nevada ranks as the third most seismically active state in the U.S., earthquake readiness is vital for NSHE's students, faculty, and staff. The ShakeOut drill serves as a critical opportunity to practice essential actions for earthquake safety.

During the drill, scheduled precisely at 10:17 AM on October 17, NSHE institutions will activate an earthquake alert via their campus-wide emergency communication systems. Participants will be instructed to "Drop, Cover, and Hold On."

To participate effectively:

- DROP to the ground before an earthquake drops you.

- COVER your head and neck with your arms and seek shelter under a sturdy desk or table if possible.

- HOLD ON until shaking ceases.

- If no shelter is available nearby, move next to an interior wall and protect your head and neck with your hands.

NSHE urges everyone within the community to engage in this drill—whether they are on campus or at home—to bolster both personal and organizational preparedness for earthquakes.