International Global Earthquake Drill set for Oct. 16: What Arkansans need to know

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Be prepared to stop, drop and hold on when Oct. 16 arrives.

Officials with the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management are calling for Arkansans to practice the international earthquake “Great Shakeout Drill” at 10:16 a.m. on Oct. 16. At that moment, officials say, everyone, whether at home, work or school will do the essential drill of: Stop, Drop and Hold On.

ADEM officials stated that over 24,000 Arkansans have registered to participate in the drill, joining the 1.4 million people in the central U.S. and the 16.3 million participants worldwide. In 2024, 2.2 million people in the central U.S. participated, they said.

After holding on, ADEM officials suggest it would be a good time to review emergency plans, check supply kits and secure things that could fall and injure someone during an earthquake.

The New Madrid Fault Line, also known as the New Madrid Seismic Zone, runs along the eastern border of Arkansas. Researchers estimate its potential magnitude as 6.5 or higher, enough to impact well into central Arkansas.

According to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas, the New Madrid Fault Line holds the highest earthquake risk in North America east of the Rocky Mountains.

Arkansas has had several earthquakes along the New Madrid this year, ADEM officials said, adding that it’s essential for eastern and central Arkansas residents to have an emergency plan in place in the event of a major earthquake.

ADEM has a list of the New Madrid’s history-making events in the state.

Those who wish to register for the Great Shakeout may do so online. Information on how to successfully participate in an earthquake drill is also available.

The Arkansas Office of the State Geologist maintains in-depth information on seismic activity in the state.