Illinoisans asked to take part in earthquake drill

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Authorities in Illinois and eight other states are trying to make this year's Great Central U.S. ShakeOut the largest earthquake drill ever held in the Midwest.

Gov. Pat Quinn urged Illinois residents to sign up for the Feb. 7 exercise.

Those registering for the drill at www.shakeout.org/centralus will find advice on earthquake preparedness. Around 2.3 million Midwestern residents have already signed up for the event, including 410,000 people from Illinois.

Parts of southern Illinois sit atop two major fault lines, including the New Madrid Seismic Zone.

The most powerful series of earthquakes ever recorded in the U.S. happened between 1811 and 1812 near New Madrid, Mo.

Illinois Emergency Management Agency Director Jonathon Monken says people should know escape routes, have an earthquake kit and make plans to care for pets.