Although pop superstar Taylor Swift urges listeners to "shake it off," Missouri disaster officials are inviting people to take part in the upcoming "shakeout."
Schools, businesses, medical providers and families all are encouraged to participate in this year's "Great Central U.S. ShakeOut," scheduled to be held at 10:15 a.m. Oct. 15.
The event is held annually to teach people how to protect themselves during an earthquake. People may register online at shakeout.org/centralus. Registered participants will receive regular updates, including information on earthquake and disaster safety.
More than 400,000 Missourians already have registered for the ShakeOut, and the volume of participation indicates the gravity of earthquake preparedness.
Missourians must not be complacent about earthquakes, particularly since two of the most powerful earthquakes in North America occurred along the New Madrid fault, which runs through Missouri's Bootheel.
Officials warn a major earthquake in the New Madrid Seismic Zone could produce damage in much of the southern and eastern portions of Missouri, including the St. Louis area.
During the exercise, participants will practice the "Drop, Cover and Hold On" technique, which includes:
• Dropping to the ground.
• Taking cover under a sturdy desk or table.
• Holding on to it until the shaking stops.
"Unlike other natural disasters, earthquakes occur without warning," said Ron Walker, Missouri's state emergency management director. "Knowing how to respond immediately is extremely important so we can protect ourselves."
Earthquakes are neither predictable nor preventable. And the damage and destruction cannot easily be shaken off.
That's why we encourage preparation and participation in the Great Central U.S. ShakeOut.