LAKEWOOD -- Western State Hospital will be one of the Pierce County hospitals and among 50 government agencies in all participating in a "Shake 'n Quake' drill this week on Wednesday and Thursday, October 21 and 22.

The hospital's role will arrive during the second day of the drill, which will focus on area hospital preparation and response to a major quake. Other hospitals participating in the drill include Good Samaritan, Madigan Army Medical Center, St. Anthony, St. Clare, St. Joseph's and Tacoma General.

The realistic scenario to be used in the drill envisions an M-7.1 earthquake striking along the Tacoma Fault line, which passes directly through Tacoma, Federal Way, and Gig Harbor. The simulated quake along the Tacoma fault system would cause landslides, liquefaction and possibly a tsunami in the Sound, based on United States Geological Survey (USGS) studies.

The drill is being conducted by Pierce County Emergency Management, which is required to hold at least one regional exercise. The purpose is to test its written emergency plans and procedures. The specific objectives of this exercise are to evaluate regional communications, to demonstrate coordinated situational awareness collection, and to disseminate information to the public.

Western State Hospital Chief Executive Officer Jesse Jamieson said the hospital was pleased to be included in the exercise, which will be an opportunity to test the hospital's disaster preparedness and give the staff a chance to practice emergency procedures.

"These are valuable learning experiences for us, and we look forward to the exercise," he said.

FOR INFORMATION AND BACKGROUND:
Jim Stevenson, Communications, DSHS, 360-725-1915 or pager 360-971-4067

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