2.2 Million participants and counting — sign up today!

Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012, at 10:15 a.m., thousands of people across at least eight states will participate in the 2012 Great Central U.S. ShakeOut earthquake preparedness drill.

Everyone is encouraged to register to participate in the drill, which will highlight “Drop, Cover and Hold On,” and other protective actions people should take during an earthquake. Registered ShakeOut participants will be counted in this earthquake drill and will receive updates about ShakeOut news and information about earthquakes and preparedness. Learn more and register to participate in the ShakeOut.

February is earthquake awareness month in Missouri and we are again partnering with the Central United States Earthquake Consortium, state and federal emergency management agencies, and others to promote awareness and to encourage people to be prepared in the event of an earthquake. Many other government agencies, businesses, organizations, and community groups are also promoting the ShakeOut to their members and constituents.

More than three million people in 11 states practiced “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” last April, as part of the First Annual Great Central U.S. ShakeOut.

This year marks the 200th anniversary of a series three earthquakes believed to have been magnitude 7.0 or larger that occurred near the southeast Missouri town of New Madrid.  –Joe