Kankakee, IL – Emergency officials are encouraging residents across Illinois to take part in the Great ShakeOut on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 10:16 a.m. The annual worldwide drill promotes earthquake preparedness by teaching people to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.”
According to the Kankakee County Emergency Management Agency, the exercise helps individuals and organizations practice what to do in the event of an earthquake, significantly reducing the risk of injury. The drill applies to all settings—homes, schools, and workplaces—where participants simulate how they would respond during shaking.
Experts note that the central U.S. region, including Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas, sits within the New Madrid Seismic Zone, one of the nation’s most active earthquake areas. Historical records show the largest local event in recent history was a magnitude 5.4 quake in Mt. Carmel, Illinois, on April 18, 2008.
The New Madrid earthquakes of 1811–1812 remain the most powerful in the continental United States, and scientists estimate that if similar quakes occurred today, damages could reach $60 to $80 billion across the Midwest.
Residents can register or learn more about participating at shakeout.org/centralus.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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