Submitted by San Juan County DEM

The 2018 Great Washington Shakeout earthquake drill will be on Oct. 18. Join islanders who are preparing for “the big one” by signing up at http://shakeout.org/washington.

So far, more than 700 people in the islands are involved. This includes school districts, fire departments, a day care, county government, local businesses and household participants. When you register, you’ll receive event news and preparedness info, and be counted among those making preparations.

The recent hurricanes in the Southeast have provided plenty of examples of the consequences of natural disasters, and the difference that preparedness makes in how communities survive.

Contact the DEM office at 360-370-0587, email dem@sanjuandem.net or visit www.sanjuandem.net/quakes.