The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is encouraging Mississippians to participate in the annual ‘Great ShakeOut’ earthquake drill this Thursday, October 15, at 10:15 a.m. Individuals and organizations can register online at shakeout.org.
“Earthquakes may not be the first thing that comes to mind when talking about natural disasters in Mississippi, but they are a real hazard and pose a real threat to our state,” said MEMA Executive Director Stephen McCraney. “It is important for Mississippians to know how to respond during an earthquake so they can act quickly to protect themselves and their families. The Great ShakeOut provides an excellent opportunity to learn what to do, practice those actions and take steps to be better prepared.”
During the self-led drill, participants will practice the three essential actions to take during an earthquake, which are to:
- DROP to the ground.
- Take COVER under a sturdy table or desk if possible, protecting your head and neck.
- HOLD ON until the shaking stops.
Once registered, participants will receive more information on how to plan their drill, as well as additional earthquake preparedness tips. According to the Great ShakeOut website, more than 18 million people have registered to participate in this year’s exercise across the United States, including over 296,000 Mississippians.
Although only a small number of earthquakes have been centered in Mississippi, the state has been affected by numerous shocks located in neighboring states, particularly along the ‘New Madrid Seismic Zone,’ which is why earthquake preparedness is crucial for Mississippians.
To view MEMA’s earthquake preparedness video with Memite and Axel, visit link. For more earthquake preparedness information, visit our website msema.org.