![A "Great Central U.S. ShakeOut" logo.](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/9e/de/9edef615363dfda4df15cb593ef0fc8e.jpg?itok=uor2h1ut "A "Great Central U.S. ShakeOut" logo.")
The Federal Emergency Management Agency said today that 2.5 million people are expected to participate in the "Great Central U.S. ShakeOut" earthquake drill on Thursday.
The multi-state drill will be held on Feb. 7 at 10:15 a.m. local time in order for millions of people to "simultaneously practice the recommended response to earthquake shaking."
FEMA said to:
- Drop on the ground.
- Take cover by getting under a sturdy desk or table.
- Hold on to it until the shaking stops.
They said that people in the Central U.S. haven't experienced many earthquakes, but that scientists say there is a 25 to 40 percent chance of a damaging earthquake occurring in this region within 50 years.
Thursday's drill will be on the anniversary of the last of the New Madrid earthquakes, according to FEMA. A series of three or more magnitude 7 to 8 earthquakes struck during the winter of 1811-1812. They said that if it happened today, it would cause injury, death, and widespread damage and disruption to the economy and our constructed environment.
Participating states include Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma and Tennessee.
People can sign up to participate in the drill at www.shakeout.org/centralus/register.
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