Students Drop! Cover! And Hold On! During Great Central U.S. ShakeOut Earthquake Preparedness Drill

Post date: Feb 13, 2012 8:08:21 PM

Earthquake Expert and Emergency Professionals Present Facts and Tips to Fifth Grade Students at St. Ferdinand Catholic School

In recognition of the 200^th anniversary of the 1812 earthquake on Missouri’s New Madrid Fault, students in Mrs. McFail’s fifth grade class at St. Ferdinand Catholic School in Florissant learned about the history of earthquakes in Missouri and how to be prepared and safe should one occur. Geophysicist Dr. Gregory Hempen and State Emergency Management Agent Steve Besemer presented facts and tips on earthquake preparedness to the students on Tuesday morning, February 7, 2012. “The key message for students is that disasters will occur, but do not be afraid, be prepared,” said Dr. Hempen.

At 10:15 a.m. all St. Ferdinand student and faculty participated in an Earthquake preparedness drill, dropping to the ground, getting under the cover of their desks, and holding on. Schools throughout Missouri and other central U.S. states participated in this safety drill as part of the Great Central U.S. ShakeOut .

Florissant Police Chief William Karabas visited St. Ferdinand Catholic School during the Great Central US ShakeOut Earthquake Drill on Tuesday, Feb. 7^th at 10:15 a.m. Chief Karabas is pictured here with 5^th Grade Students Ashley P. and Braydi T. who are displaying the Proclamation from Missouri Governor Jay Nixon, naming February 2012 as Earthquake Awareness Month.