Registration is now open for Missouri’s statewide earthquake drill on February 7th. Schools, families and businesses are encouraged to take part in the ‘Great Central U.S. Shake Out’ drill that annually attracts more than 400,000 Missourians to participation.


On February 7, 2012, more than 450,000 Missourians were among 2.4 million people in nine states that took part in the second ShakeOut drill.

More than 500 Missouri school districts and individual schools participated in the brief exercise that teaches what to do in the event of an earthquake.

To sign up for the ShakeOut , go to: http://www.shakeout.org/centralus/index.html. The site provides links to a variety of earthquake preparedness information. In addition to schools, there are also participant categories for colleges and universities, businesses, non-profit organizations, medical facilities, individuals and families and more.

Small earthquakes and tremors occur frequently in Missouri, and a major earthquake could occur at any time. Missouri experienced a 3.9 magnitude earthquake near East Prairie on Feb. 21, 2012.

The February 7 ShakeOut is being held on the 201st anniversary of the largest of the great New Madrid Earthquakes of 1811-12. Those earthquakes are estimated to have been 7.0 magnitude or greater and led to the destruction of buildings in St. Louis and the formation of Reelfoot Lake in Tennessee. February is also Missouri’s annual Earthquake Awareness Month.

The SEMA website provides earthquake safety information for schools and the public, including videos demonstrating how to conduct a ShakeOut drill: http://www.sema.dps.mo.gov/earthquake_preparedness/default.asp

Resources for schools can be accessed directly at: http://www.sema.dps.mo.gov/earthquake ... ness/school_resources.asp

Videos, including a demonstration of how to “Drop, Cover and Hold On,” can be accessed directly at: http://www.sema.dps.mo.gov/earthquake ... earthquake_multimedia.asp

The New Madrid Seismic Zone, which includes parts of southeast Missouri, has produced some of the largest earthquakes ever in the continental U.S. Experts say knowing how to respond when an earthquake occurs is an important step to practice before the next major event occurs.

During the ShakeOut, residents should practice the “Drop, Cover and Hold On” technique for 60 seconds:

DROP to the ground, take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops.

The “Drop, Cover and Hold On” technique is considered the best way to protect yourself in an earthquake.

The states of Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Tennessee are also participating in the February 7th ShakeOut.