The annual International ShakeOut Day will take place on Thursday, October 16 at 10:16 a.m., when millions of people around the world will pause to practice what to do during an earthquake. Whether at home, work, or school, participants will follow the essential safety drill: Drop, Cover, and Hold On.
The goal of the ShakeOut is to promote earthquake preparedness and help communities learn how to respond quickly and safely when the ground starts to shake.
This year, more than 24,000 Arkansans have already registered to take part, joining 1.4 million participants across the Central United States and over 16.3 million worldwide. In 2024, more than 2.2 million people across the Central U.S. participated in the ShakeOut, making it one of the largest disaster preparedness exercises in the country.
Participants are encouraged to take the drill further by reviewing emergency plans, checking supply kits, and securing heavy objects that could fall during an earthquake. Families, schools, and businesses are all urged to use ShakeOut Day as a reminder to prepare for natural disasters.
Arkansas has experienced several small earthquakes this year, many along the New Madrid Fault Line, which experts say has a significant chance of producing a 6.5 magnitude or higher earthquake. Such an event could be devastating for communities in East and Central Arkansas, underscoring the importance of having an earthquake plan and knowing how to stay safe.
The ShakeOut drill is free and open to everyone. Individuals, schools, and organizations can register to participate and access preparedness resources at www.shakeout.org/register
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For detailed instructions on earthquake safety drills, visit www.earthquakecountry.org/step5
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To learn more about seismic activity in Arkansas, visit the Arkansas Office of the State Geologist at www.geology.arkansas.gov/geohazards/earthquakes-in-arkansas.html
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