The annual “ShakeOut” earthquake drill is Oct. 19. More than 400 schools registered over 400,000 students and staff to participate in last year’s ShakeOut, which had a total of more than 550,000 participants.
Missouri is one of 14 participating central U.S. states that could be impacted by a New Madrid Seismic Zone earthquake.
“The ShakeOut is an important drill for Missourians’ safety, because earthquakes occur without warning,” State Emergency Management Agency Director Ernie Rhodes said. “It’s essential that people know what to do immediately as an earthquake hits, and that means learning to drop, cover, and hold on.”
At exactly 10:19 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19, participants will:
• Drop to their hands and knees;
• Cover their heads and necks with their hands and arms under a table or desk if possible; and
• Hold on until the shaking stops.
Experts say “drop, cover, hold on” is the best way to protect oneself from falling debris, which is the most likely cause of injury during an earthquake in developed nations with modern building standards.
More than 400 schools registered over 400,000 students and staff to participate in last year’s Shake-Out, which had a total of more than 550,000 participants.
To sign up for the Shake-Out, visit www.shakeout.org/centralus.