Missouri and eight other states will participate in a statewide earthquake preparation drill at 10:15 a.m. Thursday.
Named the "2013 Great Central U.S. ShakeOut," the nine-state drill is on the 201st anniversary of the largest earthquake in Missouri on Feb. 7, 1812. The quake was centered at New Madrid in Southeast Missouri.
The Missouri Department of Transportation plans extensive participation in Thursday's drill.
"Earthquakes strike without warning. The best response is to be informed and prepared," said Rick Bennett, Missouri Department of Transportation liaison engineer.
"MoDOT is ready with a plan that anticipates the damage a major earthquake could do to our transportation system," Bennett said.
To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.