PEARL, Miss. — The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is encouraging residents to participate in the “Great ShakeOut” earthquake drill at 10:16 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 16.
The self-led drill is designed for individuals and organizations to practice the three essential actions to take during an earthquake:
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.
Earthquake preparedness is critical for Mississippians, who, despite having few earthquakes centered in the state, have been affected by numerous shocks from neighboring states. This is especially true along the New Madrid Seismic Zone.
More than 17 million people are registered to participate in the United States, including over 211,000 Mississippians, according to the Great ShakeOut website.
Individuals and organizations can register for the drill and receive planning information and preparedness tips by visiting ShakeOut.org.
Additional earthquake preparedness information is available at msema.org.
Bob Bakken provides content for DeSoto County News and its social media channels. He is an award-winning broadcaster, along with being a reporter and photographer, and has done sports media relations work with junior and minor league hockey teams. Along with his reports on this website, you will find this veteran media member providing sports updates and high school football play-by-play on Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.
