Area residents are urged to join others in the nation who are participating in the World’s Largest Earthquake Drill.

The Cooper County Emergency Management Agency says it will help your family to be prepared in the case of an earthquake.

Missouri has one of the most active earthquake faults in the world.

According to the Department of Natural Resources, “Most Missourians are familiar with the large 1811-12 earthquakes that occurred in the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ) in southeast Missouri and it extends into a multi-state area. However, Missouri experiences small earthquakes nearly every day. These earthquakes typically are too small to be felt but are recorded on seismographs, devices that measure the earth’s movement. While these earthquakes are more frequent in the NMSZ in southeast Missouri, they also occur on other faults located in Missouri and surrounding states. Some scientists believe there is about a 10-percent chance of a magnitude 7-8 earthquake in the New Madrid Seismic Zone in a 50 year time interval. Geologic Hazards in Missouri – PUB2867 provides additional information.”

The Great America Shakeout is scheduled to take place at 10:21 a.m. on Thursday, October 21. During the event, Missouri residents are encouraged to practice how they will Drop, Cover and Hold On during a large earthquake, which only takes about a minute.