Earthquakes struck all over Arizona at 10:18 a.m. on Oct. 18, prompting some 62,000 residents to take shelter from the pretend temblors and put their earthquake survival skills to the test.

The first-ever Great Arizona ShakeOut simulated a two-minute quake in classrooms, state and federal offices, and with members of tribal communities, civic groups and businesses who opted to participate.

By the time of the Oct. 18 faux-quake, 46,327 students across the state were among those registered to participate.

Arizona participants joined 14.3 million people in 11 other states, Guam, Puerto Rico, southern Italy and British Columbia, Canada, who all took cover on Oct. 18. Some 4.8 million in 10 other states, New Zealand and Japan participate on other dates throughout the year.

“We don’t often get advance notice before disaster strikes, so the opportunity for residents to drill in The Great Arizona ShakeOut is invaluable,” said Lou Trammell, the director of the Arizona Division of Emergency Management. “It’s also a great way for parents to participate in emergency preparedness with their kids.”

While a major earthquake that separates California from the mainland and gives Arizona oceanfront property is a statistical improbability, minor earthquakes are frequent in Northern Arizona.

For the full story, see the Friday, Oct. 26, edition of the Sedona Red Rock News.