SEMA News Release

With the Oct. 19 Great Central U. S. “ShakeOut” earthquake drill just over a week away, more than 440,000 Missourians have registered to participate. In all, almost 2.5 million people are registered in the 14 central U.S. states that could be impacted by a New Madrid Seismic Zone earthquake.

At exactly 10:19 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19, participants will:

DROP to your 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.

There’s still time to sign up at www.shakeout.org/centralus. Once registered, participants receive details on the drill, as well as information on earthquake preparedness and safety. Individuals, families, businesses, schools and other organizations can register, and can participate on another day if Oct. 19 is not convenient.

In 1811 and 1812, the New Madrid Seismic Zone, centered in southeast Missouri, produced some of the largest earthquakes ever in the continental U.S. A major earthquake in this area could result in damage in much of southern and eastern Missouri, including the St. Louis area. Geologists say there’s a 7 to 10 percent chance of another major earthquake occurring in a fifty-year time period.

To learn more about earthquakes in Missouri and how to prepare, visit www.sema.dps.mo.gov/earthquake_preparedness.

Note to editors: Please visit www.shakeout.org/centralus/graphics for publication-ready ShakeOut graphics, web banners and other visuals.

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