VI to Join Global Earthquake Exercise
The Virgin Islands will join the international ShakeOut earthquake simulation exercise on October 15 to test emergency preparedness. The Department of Disaster Management is urging schools, businesses, and families across the Territory to practice self-led safety drills. During the exercise, residents can expect the activation of the National Early Warning Multi-hazard Alert System.
The Virgin Islands will join millions of participants worldwide on October 15 for ShakeOut, a global earthquake simulation exercise designed to teach and practice essential earthquake safety procedures. The territory-wide drill offers residents, businesses, and emergency services an opportunity to refine response plans and ensure overall readiness for seismic events.
According to Director of Disaster Management Jasen Penn, the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) will collaborate closely with public service partners and response agencies during the exercise. The simulation will test inter-island coordination, emergency response frameworks, and public alerting mechanisms across the Territory.
Penn explained that members of the public will hear the activation of the National Early Warning Multi-hazard Alert System on the day of the drill. Additionally, residents may observe localized evacuation activities as participating entities carry out their specific emergency procedures.
Emphasizing the importance of community-wide participation, Mr. Penn noted that self-led drills provide schools, workplaces, and families with the flexibility to practice safety measures that suit their specific environments. Because earthquakes occur suddenly and without warning, regular practice is essential to building confidence and ensuring swift, protective action during a real event.
ShakeOut originated in Southern California in 2008 to educate the public on effective self-protection during major earthquakes. The Virgin Islands has actively participated in the annual exercise since 2018, joining participants across more than 40 countries and territories, including Puerto Rico, the United States, Canada, and New Zealand.
Participants throughout the Virgin Islands are encouraged to register their participation online to be counted in the global tally. For guidance on personalizing an earthquake drill or implementing risk-reduction measures, residents can contact the Department of Disaster Management by phone at 468-4200 or by email at ddm@gov.vg.
Primary source: BVI Government