USGS Newsroom

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- August 23, 2012 marks the one year anniversary of the M5.8 earthquake that was centered in Louisa County, Virginia.  To commemorate the event, Virginia, Maryland, and DC officials are working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and the National Park Service (NPS) to hold a press conference at the Washington Monument.  This event comes on the heels of National Preparedness Month, an effort to engage the public in disaster preparedness activities. 

At the press conference, senior government officials will discuss lingering effects of the earthquake and progress made in rebuilding and recovery efforts; current understanding of earthquake threat and likelihood of future events; and participation in a regional/national "ShakeOut" earthquake drill involving millions of people.

WHERE:         

Grassy area facing the Washington Monument in between 14^th and 15^th Streets in Washington, DC

 WHEN:

 August 23, 2012 from 10:30AM - 11:00AM

 WHO:              

• Brett Burdick, Deputy Director, Virginia Department of Emergency Management
• Chris Geldart, Director, DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency
• Tim Manning, Deputy Administrator, FEMA
• David L. Miller, Associate Administrator, FEMA
• Marcia McNutt, Director, USGS
• Jim Wilkinson, Executive Director, Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium
• Bob Vogel, Superintendent, National Mall and Memorial Parks, NPS

All media are invited to attend; press packets will be made available. Side interviews will be allowed following the press conference.  Audio mult box will be provided. 

Limited parking for microwave or satellite trucks is on eastbound Jefferson Drive between 14th and 15th Streets in the far left-hand lane. Parking is on a first-come, first-serve basis, and is not guaranteed. There is room for a maximum of six live vehicles parked bumper to bumper. There is no room for any news crew cars or personal vehicle parking in this area. Suggested parking for crew and personal vehicles is on Jefferson Drive east of 14th Street.