Maryland Officials Urge Earthquake Safety Readiness

REISTERSTOWN, Md. (AP) — Earthquakes may be unusual in Maryland, but emergency management officials are urging residents to know what to do when one happens.

The Maryland Emergency Management Agency is asking residents to take part in the Great SouthEast ShakeOut on Thursday.

The nationwide drill will show participants proper earthquake preparedness and safety techniques.

The ShakeOut is held every year in October.

In 2011, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake in Virginia was felt in areas of Maryland. A 2.2 magnitude earthquake also occurred at night in Anne Arundel County last year.

Emergency responders say the safe response to an earthquake is to drop to the ground, take cover under a table or desk and hold on to it as if a major earthquake were happening.

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