Virginians can practice “Drop, Cover and Hold On,” the recommended response to an earthquake, during the first ever Great Southeast ShakeOut earthquake drill on Thursday, Oct. 18 at 10:18 a.m.

Virginia joins Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Maryland and the District of Columbia in holding the drill and is encouraging schools, businesses, organizations, government agencies, communities and families to participate.

The Oct. 18 earthquake drill for southeastern states will follow the one-year anniversary of the August 23, 2011, 5.8 magnitude earthquake centered in Mineral. The ShakeOut drill, modeled after similar efforts held throughout the nation, provides an opportunity to practice a simple, potentially lifesaving, action should an earthquake occur:

Drop to the ground

Take cover under a sturdy table or desk if possible, protecting your head and neck

Hold on until the shaking stops

To register for the earthquake drill, go to http://www.shakeout.org/southeast Thos.e registering for the drill will receive regular information on how to plan their drill and engage their communities to become better prepared for earthquakes and disasters.