Kentucky was one of several states in the region to participate in the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill Thursday and Christian County is on the eastern fringe of the New Madrid Seismic Zone.
A series of large, devastating earthquakes rocked the area in 1811 and 1812 and scientists estimate that the probability of a magnitude 6.0 or larger earthquake occurring in the New Madrid Seismic Zone within any 50-year period is 25-40 percent.
Christian County Emergency Management Director Randy Graham says the drill is to be sure the New Madrid Seismic Zone is never too far from the minds of those preparing for disasters.
While it’s impossible to know for sure, it’s believed damage in Christian County wouldn’t be nearly as severe as in counties to the west.
He says families should plan with their families for what to do if a significant earthquake hits, knowing communication systems are likely to fail.
In the event of an earthquake, officials say you should get on your knees under a sturdy table or desk. If nothing is available to get under, kneel down to an interior wall. Do not get in a doorway as some have advised in the past and do not run outside during an earthquake.