Full Notification

Great Central U.S. Shakeout Today!
Communities in ten states will take part in the fourth Great Central U.S. ShakeOut multi-state earthquake drill. The ShakeOut is scheduled for today, October 17, 2013 at 10:17 am. During the drill, millions of people simultaneously practice the recommended response to an earthquake. The majority of injuries during an earthquake are caused by objects falling on people. The drill is designed to encourage folks to Drop, Cover, and Hold On:
• DROP to the ground
• Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, or cover your head/neck with your arms, and
• HOLD ON until the shaking stops
Scientists estimate that there is a 25-40% probability of a damaging earthquake occurring in the central U.S. within a 50 year window of time. The ShakeOut is designed to help individuals and communities get ready for these earthquakes, practice how to protect themselves, and to prevent disasters from becoming catastrophes.
Currently, states participating in the ShakeOut include Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.
Following FEMA’s National Preparedness Month in September, Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills are occurring nationwide in more than 43 states and territories. Currently, more than 15 million people are expected to participate in drills on October 17.
During the self-led ShakeOut drill, participants perform a variety of disaster safety activities, including:
• Practicing Drop, Cover, and Hold On
• Testing emergency plans or procedures
• Updating disaster supply kits
• Securing items that may fall or cause injury during an earthquake, and much more
The Great Central U.S. ShakeOut is coordinated by the Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium and its member and associate states, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Geological Survey and dozens of partners. The goal of the program is to engage participants to take steps to become better prepared for earthquakes and other disasters. The drill is free and open-to-the-public, and participants include individuals, schools, businesses, local and state government agencies, and many other groups. Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills began in California in 2008 and have expanded each year since then.
Interested citizens, schools, communities, businesses, etc. are encouraged to visit www.shakeout.org/centralus to register to participate in the drill. On the website, many resources are available for participants to use during the ShakeOut drill including drill manuals, audio and video drill broadcasts, earthquake scenarios, and more.