Most of think we are out of earthquake territory and we couldn’t be more wrong. From 1811 – 1812 the New Madrid fault line produced four of them and we’ve felt tremors in recent years. Experts say it’s not if a quake will happen, but a matter of when? That’s why half a million people in Illinois are participating in the Great Central Shakeout including all Unit 5 students who want to learn the steps to be prepared.

The Great Central Shakeout is at 10:15 am Thursday morning and the students will learn the basic drill to Drop, Cover and Hold On. We are instructed to drop to the floor and find low - level cover under a desk or table and cover the back of our neck with our hands and hold on through the shaking.

The devastation would be felt from Memphis to St. Louis and help from neighboring areas would be a couple of weeks out due to their own conditions. Earthquakes can come from the New Madrid and Wabash Valley seismic zones and these zones run through southern Illinois and neighboring states.

Take the pre caution and learn the simple steps to be safe in an earthquake. Drop, Cover and Hold On. Here is a video with all the tips to be as safe as possible during anearthquake.

Written by JD Justice