Earthquake Drill set for Feb. 7

Editor's Note: Maybe today's installment of Korrina's Skycast should be called Korrina's Earthcast? I thought this information was worth sharing!

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If a major earthquake hit the midwest, would you know what to do?

Various government agencies want you to be prepared. Thursday Feb. 7 is the annual Great Central U.S. ShakeOut.

"Scientists estimate that there is a 25 to 40 percent probability of a damaging earthquake occurring in the central U.S. within the next 50 years," according to the Great Central U.S. ShakeOut website. "The ShakeOut is designed to help individuals and communities in the region get ready for damaging earthquakes, practice how to protect themselves and to prevent disasters from becoming catastrophes."

There have been a number of documented strong earthquakes on the New Madrid Fault. The New Madrid seismic zone starts includes portions of southern Illinois, Arkansas, Tennessee and Missouri. The biggest earthquakes to hit the New Madrid fault occurred Dec. 16, 1811 (7.7 on the Richter Scale), Jan. 23, 1812 (7.5) and Feb. 7, 1812 (7.7).

"There is broad agreement in the scientific community that a continuing concern exists for a major destructive earthquake in the New Madrid seismic zone," according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The Great Central U.S. ShakeOut website says 2.5 million people participated in last year's drill. This year's drill will be held at 10:15 a.m. Feb. 7. The focus is to "Drop, Cover and Hold On":

• DROP to the ground
• Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and
• HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops

The National Weather Service in Chicago states, "Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, or local radio and TV stations, at 10:15 a.m. on Feb. 7, to participate in this earthquake drill."

You can also visit the Great Central U.S. ShakeOut website to find out more information on how to participate.

Do you plan to participate in the drill? Tell us in the comments!