Submitted by San Juan County Department of Emergency Management

The students at the Shaw Island School recently won first place in a statewide contest promoting earthquake preparedness and safety. Sponsored by the Cascadia Regional Earthquake Workgroup, the competition solicited videos from schools across Washington.

“I think our video won because it clearly stated what is needed in an emergency pack if an earthquake occurred. It also visually and audibly showed the drop, cover and hold on message and was all in all whimsical, creative and fun to make,” said sixth-grader Elena.

Timed to promote the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill, this is the second year of the contest and the second year that Shaw students have taken home a prize.

“The older kids were in charge of the video, but it was exciting that I got to be in it too,” said second-grader Clara.

It’s not too late for islanders to sign up for the ShakeOut exercise at www.shakeout.org/washington. Watch the video by Shaw Island students below.