ShakeOut Overview
Are You Ready to ShakeOut?
With more than 40 million people living and working in
the central United States, a major earthquake could
cause unprecedented disruption and devastation.
What we do now, before a big earthquake, will
determine what our lives will be like afterwards. With
earthquakes an inevitable part of our future, we must
act quickly to ensure that disasters do not become
catastrophes.
The Great Central U.S. ShakeOut in April 2011 will involve more than 1 million people through a
broad‐based outreach program, partnership with the media, and public advocacy by hundreds of
partners. This event is being organized by the Central United States Earthquake Consortium and
the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi, Missouri,
Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The ShakeOut will be centered around a simultaneous
Drop, Cover, and Hold On drill that will be held at 10:15 AM CDT on April 28, 2011 (April 19, 2011
in Indiana). Drop, Cover, and Hold On is the recommended action to take in the event of an
earthquake.
A key aspect of the ShakeOut is the integration of earthquake research and the lessons learned
from social science research about why people get prepared for disasters. The result is a
“teachable moment” on par with having an actual earthquake (often followed by increased
interest in getting ready for earthquakes). The ShakeOut creates the sense of urgency that is
needed for people, organizations, and communities to get prepared, to practice what to do to be
safe, and to learn what plans need to be improved.
Not just any drill will accomplish this; it needs to be big. It must inspire communities to come
together. It must involve children at school and parents at work, prompting conversations at
home. It must allow every organization, city, etc., to make it their own event.
The 2011 ShakeOut drill will be the largest earthquake preparedness event in central U.S. history.
To participate, go to www.shakeout.org/centralus and pledge your family, school, business, or
organization’s participation in the drill. Registered participants will receive information on how to
plan their drill and how to create a dialogue with others about earthquake preparedness. All
organizers ask is that participants register (so they can be counted and receive communications),
and at the minimum practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On at the specified time.
It is a two minute commitment for something that can save your life. It all begins with registering,
which is free and open to everyone.
For more information, visit www.shakeout.org/centralus or the following social networking sites:
facebook.com/centralusshakeout @CentUS_ShakeOut Channel: CentralUSShakeOut
6
ShakeOut FAQ
What is the ShakeOut?
The Great Central U.S. ShakeOut is a multi‐state earthquake drill that will be held at 10:15AM on
April 28, 2011 (April 19 in Indiana), when more than one million participants will simultaneously
practice the recommend action during an earthquake, 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
As a linked event of the New Madrid Bicentennial and the National Level Exercise 2011, this first
ever central U.S. ShakeOut is being organized and coordinated by the Central U.S. Earthquake
Consortium and its Member and Associate States, the Federal Emergency Management Agency,
the U.S. Geological Survey, and dozens of other partners.
When is the ShakeOut?
• April 28, 2011 @ 10:15AM CDT (April 19, 2011 in Indiana)
Why is the ShakeOut important?
Scientists estimate that there is a 25‐40% probability of a damaging earthquake occurring in the
central U.S. within the next 50 years. The ShakeOut is designed to help individuals and
communities in the region get ready for damaging earthquakes, practice how to protect
themselves (Drop, Cover, and Hold On), and to prevent disasters from becoming catastrophes.
Who is the target audience?
The ShakeOut is free, open to the general public, and all interested in disaster preparedness are
encouraged to participate. This includes individuals, schools, businesses, governments, etc. The
drill is a one to two minute commitment and is designed to be simple and thought provoking.
Where will the ShakeOut take place?
The ShakeOut will take place in communities throughout the CUSEC Member States of Alabama,
Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. These are the states
most at risk from damaging earthquakes along the New Madrid Seismic Zone. Additionally, the
states of Georgia, Oklahoma, and South Carolina are participating in the ShakeOut. These states
also have varying degrees of earthquake risk.
How do people participate in the ShakeOut?
Interested people, schools, businesses, etc. are encouraged to visit www.shakeout.org/centralus
to pledge their participation in the drill. By registering, they are added to a growing list of people
throughout the region. This list is displayed on the website and available for others to see,
encouraging community participation.
What resources are available?
On the website, several resources are available for participants to use
- Downloadable Drill manuals and Broadcasts
- Educational Videos
- Web Banners, Flyers, Posters, etc.
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Earthquake FAQ
Why do people need to do to get ready for an earthquake?
Scientists estimate that there is a 25‐40% probability of a damaging earthquake occurring in the
central U.S. within the next 50 years. Citizens and communities need to take preparedness steps
to physically and financially survive a damaging earthquake. People should be aware of what to
do before, during, and after an earthquake.
What should people do before an earthquake?
Everyone should secure items their space (home and workplace) to avoid injuries and damage,
have a disaster plan, gather emergency supplies, practice what to do during an earthquake so you
will be ready to react, and learn more about earthquake insurance.
What is earthquake insurance?
Earthquake insurance is an insurance policy (often called a rider) that is purchased separately from
your homeowners policy. Pricing and deductibles vary by carrier. Most homeowner’s insurance
policies do not cover damage caused by an earthquake, but you will need to check with your
insurance broker for policy specifics. Usually, only by having earthquake insurance will your
insurance cover earthquake related damage.
What should people do during an earthquake?
Drop, Cover, and Hold On! It is the safest action to take during ground shaking. There are 3 steps:
• DROP to the ground (before the earthquake drops you!),
• Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and
• HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops.
If there isn’t a table or desk near you, drop to the ground and then if possible move to an inside
corner of the building. Be in a crawling position to protect your vital organs and be ready to move
if necessary, and cover your head and neck with your hands and arms. Do not try to run to
another room just to get under a table–you are more likely to be injured if you try to move around
during strong shaking.
These are general guidelines for most situations. Depending on where you are (in bed, driving, in a
theater, etc.), you might take other actions. The main point is: Immediately protect yourself as
best as possible where you are. Do not move to another location. Earthquakes occur without any
warning and may be so violent that you cannot run or crawl; likely knocking you to the ground
where you happen to be. You will never know if the initial jolt will turn out to be the start of the
big one. You should Drop, Cover, and Hold On immediately! More information is available at
www.ShakeOut.org/centralus/dropcoverholdon.
What should people do after an earthquake?
Once you and others are safe, begin your recovery process right away. If you have an earthquake
insurance policy with your homeowners or renters insurance, and have suffered any property
damage, contact your insurance provider for assistance and to file claims.

http://www.shakeout.org/centralus/