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Texas County institutions are among those that will participate in this year’s “Great Central U.S. ShakeOut,” as Missouri sits in one of the country’s most active earthquake zones.
The event is Thursday, Oct. 17 (today). Missouri is one of 14 participating central U.S. states impacted by the New Madrid Seismic Zone.
“Missouri is home to a very large and active seismic zone,” State Emergency Management Agency Director Jim Remillard said. “Earthquakes occur without warning, so it’s important to prepare now. The ShakeOut drill is a great opportunity to practice so you know what to do when the shaking starts.”
At 10:17 a.m., hundreds of thousands of Missourians 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.
•HOLD ON until the shaking stops.
Studies show that in developed countries with modern structures, falling debris is the most common source of injury in an earthquake. Experts advise that when an earthquake occurs in the U.S., the “Drop, Cover and Hold On” technique is the best protection from falling debris.
In 1811 and 1812, the New Madrid Seismic Zone produced some of the largest earthquakes in U.S. history, and seismic experts agree that similar quakes still pose a risk today. Shaking from another major earthquake in this zone would be felt not only in Missouri but throughout the Midwest, damaging much of the southern and eastern parts of the state, including the St. Louis metropolitan area.
To learn more about earthquakes in Missouri and how to prepare, visit sema.dps.mo.gov/earthquake_preparedness.
