FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 11, 2016


More than 500,000 Missourians now registered to participate in ‘ShakeOut’ earthquake drill on Oct. 20

Sign up now to participate in statewide ‘Drop, Cover, Hold On’ drill

The Oct. 20 Great Central U. S. “ShakeOut” earthquake drill is nearly here, and about 520,000 Missourians are registered to participate. They are among more than 2.5 million people signed up in 14 central U.S. states that could be impacted by a New Madrid Seismic Zone earthquake.

There’s still time to sign up at www.shakeout.org/centralus. Once registered, participants receive regular updates on the drill, as well as information on earthquake preparedness and safety. The ShakeOut website also includes many resources, including manuals, videos, audio drill broadcasts and earthquake scenarios.

At exactly 10:20 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 20, participants will practice “Drop, Cover, Hold On”:

DROP to your hands and knees, under a table or desk if you can;

COVER your head and neck with your hands and arms; and

HOLD ON until the shaking stops

Experts say Drop, Cover, Hold On is the best way to protect yourself from falling debris, which is the most likely cause of injury during an earthquake in developed nations with modern building standards.

From 1811-12, the New Madrid Seismic Zone, which includes 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.

To learn more about earthquakes in Missouri and how to prepare, visit www.sema.dps.mo.gov/earthquake_preparedness. The site includes brief videos that show how to conduct a ShakeOut drill.

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

 

 



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