SPRINGFIELD– More than 152,000 Illinois residents have registered to participate in a multi-state earthquake drill. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is encouraging more people to participate in the 2nd annual earthquake drill February 7th.

“With the New Madrid and Wabash Valley seismic zones located in Southern Illinois, it’s important for people to know how to stay safe if a major earthquake occurs,” said IEMA Director Jonathon Monken.  “The Great Central U.S. ShakeOut will be the perfect opportunity for families, businesses, schools and other groups to practice the ‘Drop, Cover and Hold On’ protective actions they should take during an earthquake.”

“Drop, Cover and Hold” describes the actions you take in case of an earthquake.  “Drop” down to the floor, take “Cover” under a sturdy desk, table or other furniture, and “Hold On” to the furniture item and be prepared to move with it until the shaking ends.

More than 1.2 million people in nine states currently are registered to participate in the Shakeout drill. The drill will begin at 10:15 am on Feb. 7. Last April, more than 250,000 Illinois residents participated in the first Shakeout drill in the Central U.S.