LINCOLN, Neb.  — Following  National Preparedness Month in September, individuals and communities throughout 14 midwest states will participate in the fifth annual Great Central U.S. ShakeOut Earthquake Drill. 

Held annually on the third Thursday of October, the ShakeOut International Day of Action is set for Thursday, Oct. 20 at 10:20 a.m.  During the self-led drill, participants 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).

Recent  earthquakes in  central Italy and Pawnee, Okla. serve as reminders that damaging earthquakes can occur with little to no warning.  Citizens in the central U.S. are not immune to earthquakes—the region is home to several active seismic zones capable of producing damaging earthquakes, including the New Madrid and Wabash Valley seismic zones.

 “While damaging earthquakes here may be fewer in number when compared to other areas, they can occur at any time wherever we work, live or travel within the region and beyond," said NEMA Assistant Director Bryan Tuma.  "Everyone, everywhere should know how to protect themselves from an earthquake.”

The ShakeOut is free and open-to-the-public. Participants include individuals, schools, businesses, local and state government agencies and many other groups.  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.

To date, 2.4 million people are registered to participate in this regional event.

 Great ShakeOut earthquake Drills will also occur throughout most of the nation and in several countries worldwide.  More than 25 million people around the globe are expected to participate.

Visit Nebraska’s ShakeOut page at: http://www.shakeout.org/centralus/nebraska/ to sign up to participate and learn how individuals, families and organizations can prepare for earthquakes.