Washington State will observe Disaster Preparedness Month in April.

Disaster Preparedness Month activities will include a statewide earthquake drill between 9:45 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22.

Because Washington remains vulnerable to a variety of natural and human-made hazards, "Citizens of our state should prepare themselves to be self-sufficient for at least three days following a natural or man-made disaster," said Gov. Chris Gregoire.

A regular monthly test of the Emergency Alert System will initiate the statewide drop, cover and hold earthquake drill. Flyers for the drill will be posted April 1 in multiple languages on the Washington Emergency Management Division's (WEMD's) Website, www.emd.wa.gov

Preparedness information materials for such hazards as earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanoes also will be made available to local jurisdictions. Disaster Preparedness Month activities will include the Partners in Emergency Preparedness Conference, April 14-15, at the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center, as well.