Somerton to be epicenter of mock earthquake

Now is the time to sign up for a free mock emergency planning exercise to be held later this month in Somerton.

The Yuma County Office of Emergency Management invites people to participate in the Internet-based “Formidable Footprint” training exercise, starting at 8:30 a.m. March 30 at the Somerton library, 450 Canal St.

The three-hour-long tabletop exercise gives people an opportunity to make critical decisions about emergency response efforts after an earthquake.

As it happens, the activity takes place on the third anniversary of the “Easter earthquake,” the last big temblor to hit the Yuma area.

The nationwide “Formidable Footprint” series is specifically designed for local groups such as Neighborhood Watch, Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), and faith or civic-based organizations that pitch in for their communities during times of crisis.

Though there is no charge for this activity, space is limited. To reserve a spot, contact Gretchen Robinson at 373-1093 or gretchen.robinson@yumacountyaz.gov.