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Story by: Tech Sgt Brandy Fowler - 107th Airlift Wing
Dated: Wed, Oct 16, 2013
Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, NY- Members of the 107th and 914th Airlift Wing joined more than 18 million people world-wide in the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill at 10:17 am on October 17th, 2013.
The full-time employees practiced as if there was a major earthquake occurring by using the Drop, Cover and Hold On method and stayed in position for a minute. "Most of the people participating haven’t done this since grade school", said MSgt Catrina Smith-Coffey, Emergency Management Technician. "The Great ShakeOut drill is just a gentle reminder of the simple steps needed to take to react to a real-life earthquake."
The exercise was just one of hundreds of drills that Team Niagara participates in throughout the year. "This is a different kind of preparedness that we’re dealing with today", says SSgt Paul Boser, Force Support Squadron.
"We usually train to handle man-made disasters and situations. It’s good that we are also taking the time to prepare for natural disasters and is important to be ready for both." This drill marks the second year the Northeast Region was a part of this readiness exercise. "I encourage my colleagues to go home and share this training with their families", said Smith-Coffey. "It’s a great way to talk with your kids about what to do before, during and after an earthquake and practice this with them."
While most employees were under their desks this morning in Niagara Falls, the Team of Airmen are now more prepared and practiced to stay calm and not over react in an actual situation. For more information, visit www.shakeout.org
