Friday 29th March 2024

Missouri’s statewide ‘ShakeOut’ earthquake drill is scheduled to be held this week.
According to a post on the Lafayette County Emergency Management Agency’s Facebook page, registration is now open for the 2018 Great Central U.S. “ShakeOut” earthquake drill, which teaches people how to protect themselves during an earthquake. Missouri is one of 14 participating central U.S. states that could be impacted by a New Madrid Seismic Zone earthquake.
At exactly 10:18 a.m. on Thursday, October 18, participants 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.
Experts say the “Drop, Cover, Hold On” technique 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.
Schools, businesses, community organizations or any other group can register, in addition to families and individuals. Once registered, participants receive regular updates on the drill, as well as information on earthquake preparedness and safety.
To sign up for the ShakeOut, visit www.shakeout.org/centralus.
To learn more about earthquakes in Missouri and how to prepare, visit www.sema.dps.mo.gov/earthquake_preparedness.