The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is urging residents across the state to take part in the annual ‘Great ShakeOut’ earthquake drill scheduled for Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 10:17 a.m. The self-led drill is designed to help participants practice essential safety actions during an earthquake.
During the drill, Mississippians will be reminded to follow these three key steps:
- DROP to the ground.
- Take COVER under a sturdy table or desk, protecting your head and neck.
- HOLD ON until the shaking stops.
MEMA encourages individuals and organizations to register for the drill by visiting www.shakeout.org. Registered participants will gain access to additional preparedness resources and tips for conducting their own earthquake drill.
According to the Great ShakeOut website, over 13 million people across the U.S. have signed up to participate in the 2024 drill, including over 245,000 individuals in Mississippi. While the state has experienced only a small number of earthquakes historically, neighboring states and the “New Madrid Seismic Zone” have caused shocks felt in Mississippi, highlighting the importance of being prepared.
For more information on earthquake preparedness, visit MEMA’s official website.
