MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) Mississippians are invited to take part in the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill this Thursday, October 15, at 10:15 a.m. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, known as MEMA, is asking people across the state to join in.
The drill is free. Anyone can sign up. That includes families, schools, churches, and businesses. You can register online at shakeout.org.
Why earthquakes matter in Mississippi
Most people think about tornadoes and hurricanes here. However, MEMA says earthquakes are a real risk too.
“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.
McCraney also said people need to know how to act fast to protect themselves and their families. He said the drill is a good chance to learn and practice those steps.
Only a few earthquakes have started inside Mississippi. Still, the state has felt many quakes from nearby states. Many of those come from the New Madrid Seismic Zone. That is an area of faults, or cracks in the earth, that runs near the Mississippi River in states to our north.
What to do during the drill
You run the drill yourself, wherever you are. At 10:15 a.m., practice these three steps:
- DROP to the ground.
- Take COVER under a sturdy table or desk if you can. Protect your head and neck.
- HOLD ON until the shaking stops.
After you sign up, you will get tips on how to plan your drill. You will also get advice on how to get ready for a real earthquake.
How many people are taking part
More than 18 million people in the United States have signed up for this year’s drill. That count comes from the Great ShakeOut website. It includes more than 296,000 people in Mississippi.
Learn more
MEMA made a short video about earthquake safety with its characters Memite and Axel. It is a good one to watch with kids. You can also find more earthquake tips on the MEMA website.
The drill also falls during Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Mississippi. Gov. Tate Reeves set the week for October 12 through 17. So this is a good time to check your emergency kit and talk about a plan with your family.
