Drop, Cover, Hold On! IEMA
Encourages to all Illinoisans to Register, Participate in Annual
Earthquake Drill
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[October 11, 2019]
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency is encouraging all
residents, schools, businesses and other organizations to
participate in the Great Central U.S. ShakeOut on October 17, 2019,
at 10:17 am. The goal of this “Drop, Cover and Hold On” drill is to
draw attention to the earthquake hazard that exists in Illinois,
across the country and around the world.
The annual ShakeOut is an international event involving millions of
participants from more than 40 states and territories and several
countries. To date, millions of people have registered worldwide,
including more than two million people in the central United States.
Illinois is sandwiched between two active seismic zones: the New
Madrid Seismic Zone and the Wabash Valley Seismic Zone. Earthquakes
can occur at anytime, anywhere and without warning On September 27,
a 3.27 magnitude earthquake shook parts of the Missouri bootheel. On
Monday, September 30, the United States Geological Survey reports
seven earthquakes occurred in one day. Geologist are warning
residents that while we often associate earthquakes with the west
coast, quakes can and do occur closer to home. This underscores the
importance of preparedness. An earthquake can strike when you are at
work, at home, at school, or while on vacation. ShakeOut provides
the opportunity to practice what you would do in the event of an
earthquake.
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Shakeout Participation is as easy as 1, 2, 3…
1. REGISTER your home, school or organization on the ShakeOut website:
www.ShakeOut.org/centralus. Once registered, your point of contact will receive
important information about earthquakes and preparedness.
2. INFORM the members of your home, school or organization of your
participation plans.
3. PRACTICE “DROP, COVER and HOLD ON” on October 17, 2019, at 10:17 am.
Drop to the ground onto your hands and knees.
Cover your head and neck with one arm to protect yourself from falling objects.
Hold On to a sturdy table or desk until the shaking is done.
These are the recommended actions to take during earthquake shaking.
Additional earthquake preparedness and mitigation information is available on
the following websites:
http://www.ready. illinois.gov and
http://www.cusec.org.
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information] |