Gov Ducey proclaims October 20 “Great Arizona ShakeOut Day”

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Because Arizona is prone to earthquakes, Gov. Doug Ducey declares October 20 as "Great Arizona ShakeOut Day."

Correspondingly, this is to prepare for ground shaking that accompanies moderate-to-large magnitude earthquakes.

So far, registration for Great Arizona Shakeout has topped 61,000; the goal is to register 100,000-plus Arizonans.

Furthermore, the ShakeOut starts at 10:20am on Thursday, October 20.

"All of Arizona has experienced at least some seismic shaking in the past approximately 130 years," said Phil Pearthree, Arizona state geologist and director of the Arizona Geological Survey.

"No large earthquakes (greater than magnitude 6.5) have occurred in Arizona historically, but large earthquakes in northern Mexico and southern California caused significant damage in western and southeastern Arizona, and moderately large earthquakes (magnitude 5-6.2) have caused damage in northern and southeastern Arizona. Earthquakes like this could occur anywhere in Arizona, so best to be prepared."

What to expect

In Gov. Ducey's proclamation, the best way to avoid injuries resulting from earthquakes is to "Drop-Cover-Hold on."

In addition, this exercise takes one-to-two minutes, and participation is free and open to the public.

Adding to that, more than 14 Americans will participate in the Great Shakeout.

Lastly, to enroll in the Great Arizona Shakeout, click here.