SEMA News Release

Eight days before Missouri’s annual statewide earthquake drill, more than 448,000 people are already registered to participate in the Great Central U. S. “ShakeOut” on Oct. 18. A total of more than 2.6 million people are registered in the 14 central U.S. states that could be impacted by a New Madrid Seismic Zone earthquake.

At exactly 10:18 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 18, participants will practice the “Drop, Cover, Hold On” technique to protect themselves:

DROP to your hands and knees
COVER your head and neck with your hands and arms; get under a table or desk if you can, and
HOLD ON until the shaking stops

Experts say Drop, Cover, Hold On is the best protection 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. 18 isn’t convenient.

From 1811-12, 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 50-year time period.

To learn more about earthquakes in Missouri and how to prepare, visit www.sema.dps.mo.gov/earthquake_preparedness. The site includes a short video demonstrating how to conduct a “ShakeOut” earthquake drill.

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