State officials want you to help shake things up Thursday.
The occasion is the "Great Central U.S. ShakeOut" earthquake drill, an exercise designed to teach people how to protect themselves during an earthquake.
More than 400,000 Missourians already have registered to participate in the drill, scheduled for 10:16 a.m. Thursday. The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) is encouraging schools, businesses, organization, medical facilities and families to take part.
To register for the ShakeOut, go to: http://www.shakeout.org/centralus/index.html. The site also provides links to useful earthquake preparedness information, including the recommended "Drop, Cover and Hold On" technique.
During Thursday's exercise, participants are asked to practice the technique for 60 seconds by:
• Dropping to the ground.
• Taking cover under a sturdy desk or table.
• And holding on to it until the shaking stops.
Because significant earthquakes are not common in Central Missouri, residents may have a false sense of security. SEMA officials, however, advise that small earthquakes and tremors occur frequently in Missouri, and a major earthquake could occur at any time. They also caution that the New Madrid Seismic Zone, which includes parts of southeast Missouri, has produced some of the largest earthquakes ever in the continental U.S.
"The ShakeOut earthquake drill is more than a way to teach Missourians how to protect themselves in the event of a major earthquake," said SEMA Director Ron Walker. "The drill helps introduce young people to the concept of planning for and reacting quickly to different types of emergency situations. I encourage schools, businesses and families to consider participating in this short and simple drill."
The drill may be short and simple, but the knowledge and preparation may save your life.