Texas has seen several news headlines regarding earthquakes in the Lone Star State this year. If you thought that tornadoes were the only thing you'd have to worry about in Texas, you thought wrong. It felt like, for a while, we were constantly seeing news about earthquakes—for instance, the week of earthquakes that happened near Snyder, Texas. This week, a statewide earthquake drill is planned, and it makes sense to have one.

Why Texas Needs A Statewide Earthquake Drill

Earthquakes have been occurring in Texas for a very long time. However, it seems that recently the frequency and intensity of them have been increasing. That's what makes this year's "Great ShakeOut" seem like an excellent opportunity for everyone to learn what to do in case an earthquake happens.

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You wouldn't be alone if you thought that earthquake preparedness was something you wouldn't have to worry about in Texas. However, Texas is a pretty active place when it comes to earthquakes. Almost every region of Texas has experienced one, from the panhandle to the pines of east Texas.

What To Do If You Are In An Earthquake

Now that earthquakes are a thing people in Texas are talking about more frequently, you need to know what to do in case you are ever in one. When the ground starts shaking there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, you'll want to stay calm. That's the most important thing in most dangerous situations. Remain calm and quickly take these steps:

  • DROP - Drop to the ground
  • COVER - Quickly move to cover. It could be along an interior wall or under a sturdy piece of furniture. It needs to be a place that will protect you from debris.
  • HOLD ON - Hold on to your cover until the shaking stops. Only come out once you are sure that it is safe.

If you're driving and an earthquake strikes, pull over to an open, clear area. Leave your seatbelt fastened, and only leave once the shaking has stopped. Once you're back on the road, avoid bridges and ramps if at all possible. They may have been damaged in the quake, and it could be disastrous for you to travel on them.

The "Great ShakeOut" is an opportunity for you to think about what you would do if an earthquake hits, and then go through your plan before the real thing happens. The "Great ShakeOut" is scheduled for Thursday, Oct 17 at 10:17 AM. It lasts for one minute. You can find more information on the "Great ShakeOut" website by following this link.

LOOK: The most expensive weather and climate disasters in recent decades

Stacker ranked the most expensive climate disasters by the billions since 1980 by the total cost of all damages, adjusted for inflation, based on 2021 data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The list starts with Hurricane Sally, which caused $7.3 billion in damages in 2020, and ends with a devastating 2005 hurricane that caused $170 billion in damage and killed at least 1,833 people. Keep reading to discover the 50 of the most expensive climate disasters in recent decades in the U.S.

Gallery Credit: KATELYN LEBOFF

KEEP READING: What to do after a tornado strikes

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