Roselle Fire conducts earthquake drill for 'Great Central U.S. ShakeOut'

The Roselle Fire Department and the Village of Roselle participated in the Great Central U.S. ShakeOut 2011 on April 27 to raise awareness of what to do during an earthquake.

This year marks the bicentennial of the New Madrid earthquakes - some of the most powerful to ever strike our country. In 1811, the Midwest was a wilderness, but today a major quake in our region would threaten over 11 million people. Being prepared is the best way to survive any disaster.

Scientists estimate that there is a 25 to 40 percent probability of a damaging earthquake occurring in the Midwest within the next 50 years. Citizens and communities need to take preparedness steps to physically and financially survive a damaging earthquake.

What should people do during an earthquake? 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.

The Great Central U.S. ShakeOut website has resources on what to do before, during and after a quake, what NOT to do during an earthquake, and additional tips for what you should do during a quake in certain situations such as sleeping in bed or driving a car. Visit the Great Central U.S. ShakeOut site at www.shakeout.org/centralus for details.