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Quake in D.C. Serves As Reminder To Get Prepared

August 23, 2011 at 4:45 PM ET by Rachel Racusen
Summary: 
The earthquake in the mid-Atlantic region is a great reminder that emergencies can strike anywhere and often happen without warning. Watch a video message from FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate and get tips on what to do during and after an earthquake.

Cross-posted from the FEMA blog. Get the latest on the FEMA blog and follow FEMA on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. You can also follow Administrator Craig Fugate @CraigatFEMA on Twitter.

This video is no longer available.

According to United States Geologic Survey, the mid-Atlantic Region of the United States experienced a 5.9 magnitude earthquake this afternoon. Along with the entire federal family, we are closely monitoring the situation and are in close contact and coordination with our federal and state partners in Virginia, the District of Columbia, Maryland and the surrounding areas.

There are no initial reports of significant damages, but we will continue to coordinate closely with our state and local partners to assess their needs.

Today’s earthquake in the mid-Atlantic region is a great reminder that emergencies can strike anywhere and often happen without warning. Be sure your family has an emergency plan and a kit of emergency supplies to sustain yourselves for at least 72 hours.

And as a reminder, here are a few tips on what to do during/after an earthquake:

  • If indoors, DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
  • If outdoors, move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
  • Voice data networks may be congested after a disaster, so send a text message or e-mail to loved ones to let them know you’re OK.
  • Follow the direction of local officials when making the decision to return home. Return home only when local authorities have said it’s safe.