PEOPLE

The Southeast Missourian asked volunteer victims of Operation Steel Cure II about their experience in helping with the earthquake disaster drill.

Janie Niswonger: "Everybody sounded really frightening. My voice got hoarse from screaming and hollering. I had a fractured shoulder blade and a forehead injury. It made me aware of what could happen. I was a lot calmer than what I thought I would be."

Linda Spencer: "I was in a dark room for about 30 minutes before they came and got us out. I was doing a lot of screaming. I had a hand injury, so I could walk around. I work in communications for a police department, so it let me see the other side of a situation."

James Barbre: "I'm from New Madrid, so I'm pretty familiar with the fault line itself and have been through three earthquakes. I've been to similar drills, so I've always learned to be prepared. It was important for me to do this. It was a really good deal."

Frank Dietiker Jr.: "It gives us a chance to help out. I think they are doing a pretty good job under the circumstances, although it seems a little unorganized. It seemed fairly realistic. I waited nearly an hour for help to arrive. It gives you a better perspective if it would really happen."

Nikki Elam: "It made me think a lot more of how severe it would be if an earthquake really did take place. By doing this, it made me realize how important it is to be prepared. It was scary to see a lot of dead bodies, but I only suffered a possible broken nose."

Kathy LeFebvre: "I found myself very scared in the back room almost like it was a real situation. I'm sure it was good training. I was trapped for about 45 minutes and they had to cut through a wall to get me out. It sounded like the rescuers were leaving and would not find me."