KANSAS CITY, MO. – The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Geosciences will participate in the Great Central U.S. ShakeOut at 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, April 28 outside of room 427 in Flarsheim Hall, 5110 Rockhill Rd., Kansas City, Mo.

Part of the New Madrid earthquake bicentennial, the Great Central U.S. ShakeOut is designed to increase awareness and preparedness in case of an earthquake. Centering on a simultaneous “drop, cover and hold on” drill, the ShakeOut is anticipating more than 2 million people through an outreach program, partnership with the media and public advocacy partners. The event is being organized by the Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium and its member states: Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee.

Preparedness and earthquake hazard resources, posters that highlight key facts about Kansas City’s fault zone – the New Madrid Seismic Zone – and the history of the 1811-1812 earthquakes will be available. Following the drill, Tina Niemi, UMKC Geosciences professor, will be available for a Q&A session.

A fellow of the Geological Society of America, Niemi conducts field research that provides basic data for estimating earthquake probabilities and quantifying seismic hazards. She also has led field trips for teachers and students to the New Madrid Seismic Zone.

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public university serving more than 15,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UMKC engages with the community and economy based on a four-part mission: life and health sciences; visual and performing arts; urban issues and education; and a vibrant learning and campus life experience. For more information about UMKC, visit www.umkc.edu. You can also find us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and watch us on YouTube.