Twin Lakes Area residents encouraged to join International ShakeOut Day Thursday

Residents across Baxter County are encouraged to join millions worldwide Thursday morning for the annual International ShakeOut Day, a global earthquake preparedness drill.
The event begins at 10:16 on Thursday when participants will “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” to practice what to do during an earthquake. Local schools, businesses, and government offices are encouraged to take part.

KTLO News spoke with Arkansas Division of Emergency Management, Hilda Booth, who explains what the purpose of International ShakeOut Day is.

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More than 24,000 Arkansans have registered for this year’s ShakeOut, including participants in Baxter and surrounding counties. They’ll join 1.4 million people across the Central United States and more than 16 million worldwide.

Arkansas has experienced several small earthquakes this year, many along the New Madrid Fault Line, which runs through parts of Northeast Arkansas. Experts say the region has a significant risk of a larger event in the future, making preparedness especially important for North Central Arkansas.

Residents are encouraged to use the drill as an opportunity to review emergency plans, check supply kits, and secure heavy items in their homes that could fall during a quake.

The ShakeOut is free and open to everyone. Individuals, schools, and organizations can register at www.shakeout.org for more information and preparedness resources.

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