Mo. to join dozens of others in earthquake drill

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri is one of 30 states and territories nationwide scheduled to participate in earthquake preparedness drills on the same day next week.

Ten states, including Missouri, will be part of the Great Central U.S. Shakeout drill at 10:17 a.m. Oct. 17, which will teach the "drop, cover and hold on" technique to use during an earthquake.

Organizers say that's the best way for people to protect themselves during an earthquake. Other states will be participating in the drill as part of different regions.

Oct. 17 is the anniversary of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake in California that killed 62 people and damaged thousands of buildings.

Many Missouri residents live within the New Madrid seismic zone, one of the most active in the country.