This coming Thursday, October 16 at 10:16 a.m., the territory will take part in the largest earthquake drill in US history during the Great American Samoa Shake Out. The exercise is aimed at revisiting preparedness in the event of an earthquake.

The Territorial Emergency Management Coordinating Office (TEMCO), under the AS Department of Homeland Security (ASDHS) is inviting everyone to participate. Last year, over 24.9 million people from around the world took part in the exercise that started in California in 2008 but has since branched out to include the participation of other countries like Japan, New Zealand, Italy, and US states and territories.

This is the fourth year American Samoa will be participating in the Shake Out and registration can be made online at  <www.ShakeOut.org/americansamoa>

By yesterday afternoon, according to the website, over 19.5 million people had already registered, but the number increases by the hour. The website includes other resources and tips on what to do in different situations during an earthquake.

The Shake Out is open to everyone, from schools and organizations, to private businesses, families, and individuals. Last year, the local Department of Education registered numerous high schools and elementary schools and from the private sector, businesses like StarKist Samoa and Bluesky Communications were also on board with the efforts.

On the scheduled date and time, everyone is urged to Drop (Fa’apau), Cover (Lafi), and Hold On (Taofi Mau), which are the recommended procedures during an earthquake. The exercise should only last about a minute.

More information on the Shake Out can be obtained by contacting TEMCO directly at 699-0411.