FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 24, 2011


Troy third grader wins statewide earthquake awareness poster contest

Poster contest promotes Missouri's participation in the "Great Central U.S. ShakeOut" drill on April 28

A third grader from Troy is one of the winners of Missouri's statewide earthquake awareness poster contest and was recognized on Thursday, March 24. Crowner Beck, a homeschooled student, was recognized for having the best poster among third graders showing the correct way for people to protect themselves during an earthquake.

State Emergency Management Agency, local officials and a member of the Missouri Seismic Safety Commission took part in the award ceremony, which was held at Troy City Hall on March 24. 

The Missouri Seismic Safety Commission sponsored the "Show-Me ShakeOut" Poster Contest to promote the Great Central U.S. ShakeOut, an 11-state earthquake drill at 10:15 a.m. on April 28. Third, fourth and fifth grade students across Missouri were invited to create posters promoting earthquake awareness. Statewide winners have been chosen from each grade level, and will each receive an Apple iPod Shuffle from the Missouri Seismic Safety Commission and the SEMA. The winning posters will be displayed on SEMA's Web site and featured at earthquake awareness events throughout 2011.


The ShakeOut, on April 28, will be the largest earthquake drill ever to be held in the central U.S. More than 1 million people are already registered to participate, including more than 200,000 in Missouri. The drill was organized as part of the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the great New Madrid earthquakes of 1811-12. It teaches Drop, Cover, Hold On as the best way to protect yourself in the event of a real earthquake.

 



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For more information, call 573-751-5432 or e-mail mike.oconnell@dps.mo.gov