SEMA News Release

Many recognize the southeast region of the state as Missouri’s Bootheel, but did you know it is also at the center of one of the country’s most active earthquake zones? The New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ) spans more than 100 miles and averages over 200 small earthquakes a year.

To prepare for any future earthquakes, registration is now open for the 2024 Great Central U. S. ShakeOut earthquake drill on Thursday, Oct. 17. Missouri is one of 14 participating central U.S. states that could be impacted by a NMSZ earthquake.

“Missouri is home to a very large and active seismic zone,” State Emergency Management Agency Director Jim Remillard said. “Earthquakes occur without warning, so it’s important to prepare now. The ShakeOut drill is a great opportunity to practice so you know what to do when the shaking starts.”  

At 10:17 a.m. on Oct. 17, hundreds of thousands of Missourians will practice the “Drop, Cover, Hold On” technique:

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

Studies show that in developed countries with modern structures, falling debris is the most common source of injury in an earthquake. Experts advise that when an earthquake occurs in the U.S., the “Drop, Cover and Hold On” technique is the best protection from falling debris. 

To sign up for the ShakeOut, register online at www.shakeout.org/centralus. Schools, businesses, community organizations or any other group can register as well as families and individuals. Once registered, participants will receive regular updates on the drill and information on earthquake preparedness and safety. 

In 1811 and 1812, the NMSZ produced some of the largest earthquakes in U.S. history, and seismic experts agree that similar quakes still pose a risk today. Shaking from another major earthquake in this zone would be felt not only in Missouri but throughout the Midwest, damaging much of the southern and eastern parts of the state, including the St. Louis metropolitan area. To learn more about earthquakes in Missouri and how to prepare, please visit sema.dps.mo.gov/earthquake_preparedness.

For ShakeOut graphics and other resources, please visit shakeout.org/messaging. To find participating schools and other organizations in your area and the current statewide registration total, visit The Great Central U.S. ShakeOut - 2024 Missouri Participation Totals.

For more information, call 573-751-6294 or e-mail katy.linnenbrink@sema.dps.mo.gov