JEFFERSON CITY – Missourians across the state are invited to participate in the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill on Thursday, October 15, to prepare for potential seismic events. The drill, scheduled for 10:15 a.m., focuses on the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” technique, a critical action for personal safety during an earthquake.
Missouri is situated within one of the country's most active earthquake zones, the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ), which is primarily centered in the state's southeast region, known as the Bootheel. The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) reports that in 2026 alone, there have been 110 small earthquakes recorded in Missouri, with the most recent occurring on a Sunday. SEMA Director Jim Remillard noted that many people do not realize the significance of this active seismic zone.
Experts advise that in developed countries with modern structures, falling debris is the most common cause of injury during an earthquake. The “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” method is considered the best protection. This technique involves three steps:
DROP to your hands and knees immediately. COVER your head and neck with your hands and arms, moving under a sturdy table or desk if possible. HOLD ON to your shelter until the shaking stops.
Registration for the 2026 Great ShakeOut is currently open to individuals, families, schools, businesses, and community organizations. Participants can sign up at shakeout.org/centralus to receive updates and preparedness information. SEMA plans to issue certificates via email to those registered participants who complete the three-step drill.
The historical context of the NMSZ underscores the importance of preparedness. In 1811-12, the zone produced some of the most powerful earthquakes in U.S. history, famously causing the Mississippi River to run backward. A similar event today, with modern infrastructure in place, could result in widespread damage and destruction across the region. The NMSZ averages more than 200 small quakes per year.
Missouri is one of 14 central U.S. states that could be impacted by a significant earthquake originating from the NMSZ. Such an event would be felt not only within Missouri but across the entire Midwest, potentially causing damage in the southern and eastern parts of the state, including the St. Louis metropolitan area. Recent disasters in Indonesia and Colombia serve as international reminders of the devastating power of earthquakes.
To learn more about earthquake preparedness in Missouri and how to best prepare, residents are encouraged to visit sema.dps.mo.gov/earthquake_preparedness. Participation in the Great ShakeOut drill offers a practical opportunity for residents to understand and practice vital safety actions for an event that can occur without warning.