The city of Bellevue is asking residents, business owners and the Bellevue School District to participate in the Statewide Earthquake Drill at 9:45 a.m. Wednesday, April 21.

The drill will entail people taking quake-safe action (drop, cover and hold) for one minute.

People should DROP and get under a table or next to a couch, COVER their head and neck with one hand, and HOLD on with your other hand.

In addition, officials advise people to follow these guidelines:

Have a family emergency plan.

Build a 72-hour emergency kit for their home.

Have all family members carry an Out-of-Area contact card.

April has been declared Disaster Preparedness Month by Gov. Chris Gregoire. Officials note that recent earthquakes in Haiti and Chili are a reminder they can occur at anytime. Seismologists tell us it’s not a matter of if, but when, the next earthquake will strike.

The fact also remains that the Northwest is earthquake country. Training and drilling on the right things to do before, during and after an earthquake can save lives, officials say.

For preparedness tips visit the city of Bellevue Web pageWebpage.