International ShakeOut Day is always the third Thursday of October (this year: October 21). While COVID-19 has brought many uncertainties and challenges, one thing’s for sure: ShakeOut is still happening this year!

KPTZ’s Emergency Team is prepared in case of any major emergency. On Thursday, October 21 our Team will participate in the annual Great ShakeOut Drill, set for 10:21am. When the alarm sounds during Thursday’s Discovery Road hosted by Tim Quackenbush, KPTZ will interrupt to present special programming featuring information about what will happen in the event of an emergency, and what to do.

In case of actual emergency, and for Thursday’s drill enactment, everyone is encouraged to tune into 91.9FM for up-to-date information about the situation. On October 21 at 10:21am, Tim will present special programming from KPTZ News Reporter Steve Evans, featuring members of the station’s Emergency Team. Team Lead Barney Burke and on-call member Peggy Myre will phone in from the Jefferson County Emergency Operations Center, adding to the discussion.

To participate in Thursday’s ShakeOut Drill, please take a minute out of your busy lives to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” This exercise is simple, but should not be underrated. Wherever you are Thursday morning at 10:11am, DROP under a sturdy table, desk or chair. COVER your head and your neck. HOLD ON to the object you are taking cover under to prevent it from moving over you.

If you are outside, move clear of any building facades, trees, and power lines that might fall. If you are driving, slow down and pull off the roadway until the shaking stops. If you are in a tsunami evacuation zone (up to 50 feet above sea level), once the shaking stops, grab your go kit and head to higher ground. The ShakeOut is a great opportunity to practice your route.

For more information on emergency preparedness or to sign up for Jefferson County Emergency Management’s Nixle emergency text alerts, go to www.jeffcoeoc.org or text JEFFCODEM to 888777 to be automatically enrolled.

To find out how to organize your neighborhood, email [email protected].

Anyone unable to attend the October 7 Port Townsend City Council Candidates Forum can now view the video of the candidates for Position 1: Cameron Jones and Ben Thomas – and Position 5: Tyler Vega and Libby Wennstrom – via a link posted at https://www.lwvwa.org/Jefferson or on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uG2mNm241u8. The League of Women Voters encourages all voters to watch the forum, view the candidates’ websites, and read their responses to written questions on Vote411.org prior to voting.

The League of Women Voters of Jefferson County sincerely thanks moderator Renee Klein, co-sponsor (the American Association of University Women-Port Townsend), and media partner (KPTZ 91.9 FM, Port Townsend’s Community Radio) for their support of the forum. They are equally grateful to local filmmaker Dennis Daneau, who edited and produced the video. For additional information, contact the League of Women Voters-Jefferson County at [email protected].

Ballots for the November 2 election will be mailed starting October 13 and must be turned in by November 2. New online and mailed-in registrations to vote must be received by October 25. In-person registration at the Jefferson County Courthouse is possible during business hours through November 2. See the Jefferson County Elections website at https://co.jefferson.wa.us/1266/Elections for more information on deadlines and ballot box locations.

Jefferson County has an Accessible Voting Unit located in the Courthouse, next to the Auditor’s Office. Access is available  weekdays from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Election Day hours are from 8:30am to 8pm. Questions: 385-9119. Or email [email protected].