IU will conduct an earthquake drill as part of the Great Central U.S. ShakeOut initiative on Thursday on all campuses. The drill will promote safe earthquake responses, according to an IU press release.
An IU-Notify message will alert students, faculty and staff when the drill begins around 10:17 a.m.
The Great Central U.S. ShakeOut instructs participants to “Drop, Cover and Hold On” during the 15-minute drill. Participants should drop to the ground, take cover under desks or tables and cover their head and face with their hands. For those who may use a wheelchair or walker are told to "Lock, Cover and Hold On."
“Having a plan and practicing your plan allows you to be prepared when things like earthquakes, fires and tornadoes happen,” assistant director for IU Emergency Management and Continuity Kate Dorrity said.
Nearly 3 million people are registered to participate in this year’s Great Central U.S. ShakeOut.
California and Alaska experience the most earthquakes in the U.S., but the Midwest is not immune. According to the IU press release, IU is at the crossroads of two major seismic zones.
“We don’t have a lot of information as to when the next earthquake will happen,” Dorrity said. “It is important to recognize the threat associated with that.”
According to the Indiana Geological and Water Survey, the state’s most recent earthquake occurred 2015 in Haubstadt.
“It is important that we are doing everything we can to bring this to the forefront of the minds of our community and making sure that we’re providing as many resources about what people can do if there is an earthquake,” Dorrity said.
