"The Great Central U.S. Shakeout" is scheduled for Oct. 19, but due to many conflicts for IU campuses, the university will conduct its shakeout drill at 10:26 a.m. EDT on Oct. 26 (10:26 a.m. CDT at IU Northwest).

An IU-Notify alert will be the kick-off for the "Drop, Cover, Hold On" drill, which is expected to last 10 to 15 minutes.

Why host a drill? Some of the strongest U.S. earthquakes in recorded history occurred in southeastern Missouri within the New Madrid Seismic Zone, which spawned two major temblors in the early 1800s that could be felt as far away as New Hampshire. In addition, the Wabash Valley Seismic Zone encompasses parts of southwestern Indiana and the adjoining portions of Illinois and Kentucky.

Movement along faults within this zone have resulted in a number of small-magnitude earthquakes in historic times. Last month, a 3.8-magnitude earthquake centered in Albion, Illinois, was felt as far away as Indianapolis.

If a major earthquake occurs, you won't receive an IU-Notify to alert you to it so it's important to know what to do when the ground begins shaking.

If you are indoors:

• Drop to the floor under a sturdy desk or table, Cover your head and face with your arms, and … Hold on.
• If suitable furniture is NOT nearby, sit on the floor against an interior wall and cover your head and face with your arms.
• Stay clear of windows, bookcases, shelves, mirrors and fireplaces.
• Do not use elevators!
• If possible, extinguish any open flames or sources of ignition immediately.

If you are outdoors:

• Get into an open area away from trees, buildings, walls and power lines.
• If driving, pull over to the side of the road, stop, and stay inside the vehicle until the shaking is over.
• Avoid overpasses, bridges, and power lines.
• If the earthquake has been severe, do not attempt to cross damaged bridges, overpasses or damaged sections of road.

Additional information about earthquakes is available on Protect IU.