'ShakeOut' set for local schools

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

— Gravette schools will be participating in the “Great Central U.S. ShakeOut” Thursday, according to superintendent of schools Andrea Kelly.

The “ShakeOut” is a regional earthquake drill in which more than a million people will practice the recommended action during an earthquake.

Northeast Arkansas is in an area of particular vulnerability because of the New Madrid Fault which triggered devastating earthquakes during the early 1800s.

Scientists estimate there is a 20-40 percent probability of a damaging earthquake occurring in the central U.S. within the next 50 years, according to the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management which is coordinating the statewide “ShakeOut” exercise. A major quake could affect land areas in Northwest Arkansas.

During the exercise, emphasis will be placed on dropping to the ground, taking cover by getting under a sturdy desk or table and holding on until the shaking stops.

Kelly said the school’s participation is being coordinated in all four of the district’s buildings: elementary, upper elementary, middle school and high school.

Also participating in the exercise with Arkansas schools are schools in Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Tennessee. Resources have been provided to the participating schools and agencies to reinforce the drop, cover and hold regimen.

Sports, Pages 10 on 04/27/2011