RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Nearly 1.1 million Virginians are set to participate in a multi-state earthquake drill.

Virginia emergency officials say the “Great Southeast Shakeout” is set for Thursday morning and will invoke what has become the mantra of earthquake response.

The action is called “drop, cover and hold on.” That means drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on until the shaking stops.

Schools, business, government agencies and individuals are expected to join in the drill.

Virginia joined the drill following the Aug. 23, 2011, powerful earthquake that rocked the East Coast and was centered in Mineral. More than 1 million Virginians participated in the drill last year.

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