NORTH LITTLE ROCK – Next week thousands of Arkansans will participate in the Great Central United States ShakeOut Earthquake Drill. This is the sixth annual drill in the central United States region. The drill is set for Thursday, October 19 at 10:19 a.m.
To date, more than 59,000 Arkansans are registered for the 2017 ShakeOut Drill. Last year more than 56,000 Arkansans participated in the drill.
Held annually on the third Thursday of October, the ShakeOut Drill is a “day of action” providing an opportunity for people to take extra steps to become more prepared for earthquakes and other disasters. The self-led drill encourages participants to practice how to “Drop, Cover and Hold On.” For most people, in most situations, the recommended earthquake safety action is to:
•DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees;
•COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand, as you crawl for shelter under a nearby table or desk;
•HOLD ON to your shelter with one hand until shaking stops (remain on your knees and covering your head and neck with your other arm and hand).
The recent M7.1 earthquake that struck near Mexico City serves as a reminder that large, damaging earthquakes can occur with little to no warning. Citizens in Arkansas are not immune to earthquakes—the state is home to several active seismic zones capable of producing damaging earthquakes, including the New Madrid seismic zone.
The ShakeOut is free and open-to-the-public, and participants include individuals, schools, businesses, local and state government agencies. To take part in the ShakeOut, individuals and organizations are asked to join the drill by registering to participate at www.shakeout.org. Once registered, participants receive regular information on how to plan their drill and become better prepared for earthquakes and other disasters.
CONTACT: Public Affairs ([email protected] or 501-683-6700).