Governor Pat Quinn today called on every Illinois resident, school and business to particpate in what's being called the "largest earthquake drill in the history of the Midwest" on Thursday, Feb. 7, at 10:15 a.m. The third annual Great Central U.S. ShakeOut is a nine-state emergency preparedness drill designed to encourage residents to think about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

Participants can register for the drill online at www.shakeout.org/centralus and will receive valuable tips and information about earthquke preparedness. More than 410,000 Illinois residents are already registered for the drill, which will highlight Earthquake Preparedness Month in illinois. 

"It only takes a minute to register online in the Great ShakeOut and just seconds to particate in the drill itself, but the lessons are invaluable," Governor Quinn said. "This drill embraces the motto of the U.S. Coast Guard: 'Semper Paratus" or "Always Ready". I invite everyone to learn what they can do to keep safe."

Questions? Please visit this website to learn more about this drill. www.shakeout.org/centralus

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is heading up preparedness efforts in Illinois. "The ShakeOut drill raises awareness about the threat of earthquakes in Illinois," said IEMA Director Jonathon Monken. "The drill only takes a few minutes, but the lessons learned can save countless lives."

Director Monken notes that on the IEMA website-www.Illinois.gov/ready  residents are offered tips for emergency planning such as knowing escape routes and family reunification plans, building an earthquake kit and caring for pets.