Americans are encouraged to participate in an earthquake preparedness drill at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday during the Great Central U.S. ShakeOut. More than 2.3 million people across nine states are expected to take part in the drill. It was planned to be statewide in Missouri.

Locally, Creative Expressions Learning Center in Eureka and Today's Children of Wildwood, as well as Eureka CERT members and the Eureka Fire Protection District (EFPD) are all registered to participate in the drill.

One important often overlooked question, said Scott Barthelmass, public information officer, EFPD, is:  Do you have a meeting place for your family in case you cannot get home?

"We have had a few smaller earthquakes in the past few years, so it is very possible to have one at any given time," he said.

Scientists estimate there is a 25 percent to 40 percent probability of a damaging earthquake occurring in the central United States within the next 50 years, according to Central United States Earthquake Consortium research.

Emergency relief crews hope everyone practices at least three simple steps:

• DROP to the ground
• Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and
• HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops

For important earthquake preparedness tips from the Federal Emergency Management Association, click here.

Tuesday's drill presents a great time to consider creating or checking home and office-based emergency kits. Remember to consider all ages, as well as pets, when assembling kits.

FEMA planners indicate basic emergency supply kits should include the following items:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger