Issues & AdvocacyIssues & Advocacy

The Great Shakeout Offers Chapters an Opportunity to Prepare
By Cooper Martin, Manager, Community Resilience

On October 18, twelve states and the District of Columbia will be the sites of a coordinated earthquake preparedness drill and AIA National, along with Architecture for Humanity, are encouraging architects to get involved.

Most states along the West Coast and Southern Atlantic are part of the drill. By visiting www.shakeout.org, anyone can commit to participating in their own small way by conducting an earthquake drill in their office, creating or revising emergency plans, or simply taking a moment to recognize the seismic hazards in your immediate area.

But this exercise is more than an occasion to prepare your home and office; it can also be an opportunity to connect with other architects or community groups. Local AIA Components and Architecture for Humanity chapters around the country can team up with Girl and Boy Scout troops, after school STEM programs, or other youth groups to discuss the architecture of earthquake resistance in a fun and engaging environment. The drill can even be an opportunity to host a brown-bag continuing education session and networking opportunity over lunch.

Many other ideas and resources for participation and preparedness are available on the Shakeout.org website. When you decide how to mark the occasion, be sure to share with AIA National and post to your chapter web page on the Chapter Network. We’d love to hear your ideas! For more information, contact Cooper Martin at AIA National or Frederika Zipp at Architecture for Humanity.

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