Do the members of your families or businesses know what they would do to protect themselves if a major earthquake happened right now?

We didn’t think so.

Every once in awhile, we get a tremor in these parts, and when it happens, we scramble to find out what the heck it is we’re supposed to do. Well, the city of Aurora, in coordination with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, is asking citizens to get prepared now so we all know what procedures to follow in the event of a big shake, rattle and roll.

Aurorans will be participating in the Great Central U.S.Shakeout earthquake drill at 10:15 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 15.

The city is encouraging citizens and businesses to register and participate in this important drill.

As with tornadoes, fire and other threats, practice is essential, which is the purpose of the ShakeOut drill.

The annual Great Central U.S. ShakeOut is part of an international ShakeOut involving millions of participants from more than 40 states and territories and several countries. To date, more than 22 million people have registered worldwide, nearly 550,000 of those in Illinois.

To be counted as a participant, everyone needs to register on the ShakeOut website: www.ShakeOut.org.  If an organization cannot participate on Oct. 15, another day may be selected to conduct a “Drop, Cover and Hold On” drill.  If another day is selected, the organization should still register on the ShakeOut website. Once registered, participants receive ShakeOut news and other information about earthquakes and preparedness.

Participants can email photos to MyAurora@aurora-il.org to be included in promotions after the event.

SOURCE: city of Aurora press release