Lincoln Elementary School Families,
We hope this letter finds you well. On October 17, 2024, at 10:17 a.m., Lincoln Elementary School will participate in the Great ShakeOut Earthquake and Tsunami Drills. This annual event is a fantastic opportunity for our students and staff to learn and practice essential earthquake safety skills, joining millions of people worldwide in becoming better prepared for earthquakes.
What Is the Great ShakeOut?
The Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills are a global effort to teach and practice earthquake safety. Participants—including schools, businesses, government agencies, and families—engage in a few simple but crucial steps: “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” The goal is to ensure that everyone, no matter where they are, knows how to protect themselves when an earthquake occurs. The ShakeOut began in Southern California in 2008 and has since grown into a worldwide event with over 30 million participants in 2021. After the completion of the earthquake drill Lincoln along with all the schools in the district will participate in the evacuation to high ground. Our route involves an .8 of a mile walk to the entrance to Sunset Memorial. This location is the designated evacuation point for Hoquiam and is the base of emergency response for Hoquiam. Students will walk as a class/school from Lincoln to this rally point and back to Lincoln.
How Can You Prepare at Home?
Earthquake preparedness goes beyond the drill itself. We encourage families to visit EarthquakeCountry.org/sevensteps to learn about the Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety. These steps cover actions to take before, during, and after an earthquake, helping to keep everyone safe. A few key tips include:
Secure your space by identifying hazards and securing moveable items.
Plan to be safe by creating an emergency plan and discussing how your family will communicate during an emergency.
Organize emergency supplies in accessible places.
During the drill, practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”—a simple method that can save lives during an earthquake.
How the Drill Will Work at School
On October 17, our students will practice:
Dropping to their hands and knees.
Covering their heads and necks and taking shelter under a sturdy object.
Holding On until the simulated shaking stops.
Evacuate the building.
Move to high ground.
Return to Lincoln.
If your child has significant disability or has mobility related disabilities and/or uses mobility aids like a wheelchair, crutches or walker, we will adapt the drill to ensure their safety and comfort.
We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of earthquake safety and participate in the ShakeOut drill at home or work. For more information or to register as a participant, visit ShakeOut.org.
Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our students safe and prepared for any emergency. If you have any questions about the Great ShakeOut or our safety procedures, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
Jason Ihde
Principal, Lincoln Elementary School