The nation’s annual Great ShakeOut earthquake drill will take place Thursday, with people in every state encouraged to practice safety steps as if an earthquake were occurring. The recommended response is to drop, cover, and hold on. For those with disabilities who use walkers or wheelchairs, the guidance is to lock, cover, and hold on.
Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) Acting Director Theodore (Ted) Berger emphasized the importance of readiness: “Illinois is positioned on two major seismic zones: the New Madrid and the Wabash Valley. And while we cannot predict when an earthquake will happen, we can prepare now. The Great ShakeOut is a vital reminder that readiness starts with awareness. When our communities know what to do, we’re all safer and stronger together.”
Practicing earthquake response can help prevent panic and ensure safety. IEMA-OHS recommends that schools, businesses, and families all participate in the drill and consider how they would react in various situations—such as at a stadium, in a car, near a desk or table, or even in bed—during an earthquake.
To learn more about the national ShakeOut program, visit shakeout.org.
For specific information about earthquake risks and preparedness in Illinois, visit iemaohs.illinois.gov or Ready.Illinois.Gov
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