Department of Military & Veterans Affairs

Office of Public Affairs

P.O. Box 5800, Camp Denali Fort Richardson, Alaska 99505-5800

(907) 428-6031 Fax 428-6035

www.ak-prepared.com/dmva

For Immediate Release June 19, 2004

Quake, rattle, & roll – State’s shake machine on the move
House registers simulated 8.0 quakes – and an even 10.0 with visitors’ surprise and satisfaction

CAMP DENALI, Alaska - - - The best-known tool the Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management’s Mitigation section has for educating people about earthquakes is an ‘Earthquake Cottage’.

“The ‘Quake Cottage’ is able to simulate a shallow depth earthquake up to an 8.0 Magnitude,” says Jamie Littrell, public information officer with the Division. “Inside, the cottage is designed to resemble a typical living room set-up with an entertainment center, computer desk with computer, and kitchen cabinets, each secured with straps and fasteners, and meant to demonstrate that even though major earthquakes are violent, they can be survivable.”

“People are left with a sense of awe after experiencing the Quake Cottage,” he says. Humans respond more to visual stimulus and when they are strapped into the Cottage and they see foam books flying off the shelves and furniture moving around, they get more proactive in trying to learn how they can secure their own homes,” Littrell adds.

Alaska’s ‘Quake Cottage’ already has a full summer and fall schedule ahead with visits, to:

· Neighborhood Safety Day in South Anchorage on the 25th of June

· Governor’s Picnic on July 24th

· University of Alaska Anchorage during the first part of September

· A weeklong trip to Fairbanks-area schools starting September 13th

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Editors: A photo is available. Visits can be arranged.

Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
P.O. Box 5750, Fort Richardson, AK 99505-5750
Phone: (907)428-7000 Fax: (907)428-7009
dhs&em_emergency_mgmt@ak-prepared.com