Rowan County Emergency Services officials encourage Rowan County families, schools, businesses and individuals to join more than one million people across the southeast in the fourth Great SouthEast ShakeOut on Thursday at 10:15 a.m.

“Rowan County has not experienced major earthquakes, but 14 have occurred this year in North Carolina, ” Rowan County Emergency Services Chief Frank Thomason said.

“Although rare, earthquakes can happen here as can aftershocks from earthquakes in neighboring states. It only take a few minutes to practice what to do so that you and your loved ones are safe.”

The Great SouthEast ShakeOut is a regional earthquake drill has participants simultaneously practice three simple steps to protect themselves in an earthquake. Residents, schools, communities and businesses can register to participate at www.shakeout.org/southeast.

The website also offers resources to help you plan an earthquake drill including instruction manuals, videos, audio drill broadcasts, earthquake scenarios and more.

When the ground shakes, Rowan County Emergency Management officials and earthquake experts recommend that you:

• DROP to the ground (before the earthquake makes you fall).

• Take COVER under a sturdy desk or table.

• HOLD ON to the desk until the shaking stops.

If there is no table or desk nearby, crouch in an inside corner of a building and cover your head and neck with your hands and arms. Stay away from bookshelves, lamps, TVs, cabinets and other objects as much as possible. Such items may fall and cause injuries.

Great ShakeOut earthquake drills are being held in more than 45 states and territories. Millions of people worldwide are expected to participate in the activity.

The program’s goal is to engage individuals to take steps to become better prepared for earthquakes and other disasters.

Visit www.ReadyROWAN.org or www.ReadyNC.org for more earthquake preparedness tips, or call the Emergency Management Division with Rowan County Emergency Services at (704) 216-8900 for additional information.