Residents can mark Disaster Preparedness Month by crouching under a table for a minute. With seismologists saying it's a matter of when not if for an earthquake like the recent ones in Haiti and Chile, learning to "drop, cover and hold" could save your life.

Bellevue's Emergency Preparedness division asks residents, businesses and schools to participate in a statewide earthquake drill on Wednesday, April 21, at 9:45 a.m. At that time, participants will take quake-safe action (drop, cover and hold) for one minute.

DROP and get under a table or next to a couch;
COVER your head and neck with one hand; and
HOLD on with your other hand.

To be prepared for a variety of emergencies, follow these simple guidelines:

• Have a family emergency plan.
• Build a 72-hour emergency kit for your home.
• Have all family members carry an out-of-area contact card.
• The Emergency Preparedness pages offer more tips.

Return to News Release Index