Over 1 Million in Missouri Told to Prepare for Catastrophic Quake

For once, I'm not the only one saying it. Authorities in Missouri are officially warning residents that they need to do what it takes to prepare for a catastrophic earthquake that will someday change life as we know it.

I saw this share from the Missouri State Emergency Management agency reminding everyone that it is vital that you prepare for an inevitable major New Madrid Fault event.

In case you can't read the small print, they said "At 10:15 a.m. on Oct. 15, 2026, you can join more than a million people across Missouri and the central U.S. practicing earthquake safety. While we encourage you to participate with everyone, you can register your ShakeOut drill for any day of the year, and drill at a time of your choice."

This warning to Missourians is a part of the Great American Central US Shake Out event that is planned for later this year on October 15, 2026. The question I have is why do they recommend that you drop, cover and hold on? The answer is because by putting your hand behind your neck and finding cover under a solid object, you're reducing the chances that you'll be hit by flying objects. Many people envision objects falling straight down, but don't realize that a major earthquake jolt can cause objects on the wall to fly across a room and hit you.

This earthquake warning isn't just for those near the New Madrid Fault

There are more earthquake hazards in the Midwest than just the infamous New Madrid Fault in southern Missouri. There has been increased activity in the Wabash Valley Seismic Zone in Illinois, too. The 3.8 magnitude quake on January 20, 2026 was felt by more than 2,000 people.

Depending on which agency you ask, the estimates are that there's better than a 30% chance that a magnitude 6 or greater earthquake will strike Missouri and/or Illinois in our lifetime. That reason alone should inspire you to have an emergency plan prepared.