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Shaken but not stirred at Naval Hospital Bremerton

Shaken but not stirred… At precisely 10:19 a.m. on 10/19, the 2023 Great Washington Shakeout drill shook an active shaken but not stirred response from Naval Hospital Bremerton staff to drop, cover and hold. The immediate recommendation for staff after drop, cover, hold, would be “not to run outside,” stressed Terry Lerma, NHB emergency preparedness manger. “Wait until the shaking stops and/or the announcement for “all clear.”” Such a response during any sizable seismic trembler has shuddering significance at NHB. The Nisqually, Washington quake Feb. 28, 2001, at 10:54 a.m., registered 6.8 on the Richter Scale and was felt throughout the greater Puget Sound region. That earthquake jolted staff members with a quavering experience from the epicenter approximately 50 miles south of Bremerton. Staff members here in 2001 vividly remember the entire building seemingly shaking forever [estimates vary between 19 and 45 seconds]. Books, plants, coffee cups and other office gear were tossed like so much tickertape. Elevators suddenly halted between floors. Patients were alarmed, staff members uncertain, friends and family concerned (Official Navy photo by Douglas H Stutz, NHB/NMRTC Bremerton public affairs officer).