Public invited to experience the ‘Big Shaker’ at earthquake event

Danielle Anthony-Goodwin Ballard

Seattle’s Office of Emergency Management and Seattle Parks and Recreation are inviting members of the public to attend the City’s first ever ‘Big Shaker’ Earthquake Event at Westlake Park (401 Pine St) next Tuesday, October 11, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

City officials will also be in attendance to take a ride in the ‘Big Shaker’ to highlight the importance of preparing for earthquakes. The ‘Big Shaker’ is a 22’ foot-long, 6,500-pound earthquake simulator that gives participants the opportunity to experience the shaking of a simulated 8.0 earthquake.

Mayor Ed Murray proclaimed October as Emergency Preparedness Month to encourage Seattle residents, businesses, and organizations to get prepared.

More than 100 members of the public will also have the opportunity to step into the ‘Big Shaker’. Tickets will be distributed to the public at Westlake Park on the day of the event and are on a first come, first served basis.

Tickets for riding in the ‘Big Shaker’ between the hours of 10 a.m. and noon will be passed out at 9:30 a.m. Tickets for riding between noon and 2 p.m. will be distributed at 11:30 a.m.

In addition to riding in the ‘Big Shaker’, several City departments and vendors, including QuakeHold, will be present to give participants the opportunity to:

  • Learn how to build an emergency kit, make a disaster plan and help each other
  • Hear about how to get involved in neighborhood and community preparedness
  • Practice shutting off utilities
  • Play fun preparedness games and win prizes

“Preparing for disasters starts with individuals,” said Seattle Office of Emergency Management Director Barb Graff. “People need to plan to be on their own for a minimum of 7-10 days following a major disaster.”

Members of the public are also invited to participate in the annual ‘Great Washington ShakeOut’ Earthquake Drill on October 20 at 10:20 a.m.

Those who participate will join millions of people worldwide in practicing how to ‘Drop, Cover, and Hold On’. Seattle’s Office of Emergency Management plans to issue an AlertSeattle message immediately before the drill begins to encourage participation.

To find out more information about Seattle’s earthquake risk and how to get prepared for disasters, visit the Seattle Office of Emergency Management’s webpage.

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