Mississippi will hold a statewide earthquake drill on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 10:15 a.m., the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency said.
MEMA is encouraging all Mississippians to participate in the national Great ShakeOut drill, MEMA Executive Director Stephen McCraney said. “Earthquakes may not be the first thing that comes to mind when talking about natural disasters in Mississippi, but they are a real hazard and pose a real threat to our state,” McCraney said.
During the self-led exercise, participants will practice three recommended actions: drop to the ground; take cover under a sturdy table or desk if possible, protecting the head and neck; and hold on until the shaking stops, MEMA said.
MEMA said organizations and individuals can register to participate; once registered, participants will receive instructions on how to plan their drill and additional earthquake preparedness tips.
According to the Great ShakeOut website, more than 18 million people have registered for this year’s exercise, including 296,000 in Mississippi. MEMA officials noted the state has been affected by shocks from nearby seismic activity, including a 2.5‑magnitude earthquake recorded in Madison County on Thanksgiving 2024 and a 2.5‑magnitude event near Booneville in December 2022.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
