The Virgin Islands will participate in ShakeOut, a global earthquake simulation exercise designed to teach and practise earthquake safety, on October 15.
The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) said that it will work with emergency response agencies and public service partners to test the Territory’s public alert system, inter-island coordination and emergency response plans.
“ShakeOut is an opportunity to work with partners across the Territory to ensure the VI’s readiness for a major impact such as a damaging earthquake,” Director of Disaster Management Jasen Penn said.
Residents will hear the National Early Warning Multi-hazard Alert System being activated during the exercise and may also see evacuations by organisations whose emergency plans require them.
Schools, workplaces, families and other organisations can conduct self-led drills based on their respective settings and needs.
“Earthquakes can happen at any time and without warning, so it’s very important that persons do practise and feel confident in their plans,” Penn stated.
Participants are encouraged to register at surveymonkey.com/r/shakeout2026.
When the alert signals the start of the drill on October 15, participants should drop, cover and hold under a table or desk for 60 seconds. Those unable to do so should crouch near an interior wall while covering their head and neck.
Participants may also practise moving to a tsunami assembly area, assessing buildings for damage and testing emergency communication procedures. Afterwards, teams should discuss the exercise and make any necessary improvements to their plans.
Persons seeking assistance with tailoring an earthquake exercise or reducing earthquake risks may contact DDM at 468-4200 or ddm@gov.vg. An earthquake safety guide is also available at bviddm.com.
The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) said that it will work with emergency response agencies and public service partners to test the Territory’s public alert system, inter-island coordination and emergency response plans.
“ShakeOut is an opportunity to work with partners across the Territory to ensure the VI’s readiness for a major impact such as a damaging earthquake,” Director of Disaster Management Jasen Penn said.
Residents will hear the National Early Warning Multi-hazard Alert System being activated during the exercise and may also see evacuations by organisations whose emergency plans require them.
Schools, workplaces, families and other organisations can conduct self-led drills based on their respective settings and needs.
“Earthquakes can happen at any time and without warning, so it’s very important that persons do practise and feel confident in their plans,” Penn stated.
Participants are encouraged to register at surveymonkey.com/r/shakeout2026.
When the alert signals the start of the drill on October 15, participants should drop, cover and hold under a table or desk for 60 seconds. Those unable to do so should crouch near an interior wall while covering their head and neck.
Participants may also practise moving to a tsunami assembly area, assessing buildings for damage and testing emergency communication procedures. Afterwards, teams should discuss the exercise and make any necessary improvements to their plans.
Persons seeking assistance with tailoring an earthquake exercise or reducing earthquake risks may contact DDM at 468-4200 or ddm@gov.vg. An earthquake safety guide is also available at bviddm.com.
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