MISSOURI -- Missouri schools and students are invited to enter the “Show-me Shakeout” earthquake poster contest. The second annual contest is aimed at promoting earthquake safety. 

On February 7^th, Missourians will participate in the Great Central U.S. Shakeout, an earthquake preparedness drill that teaches the “drop, cover, and hold on” protective actions to take in the event of an earthquake. 

To promote the Shakeout, the State Emergency Management Agency and the Missouri Seismic Safety Commission are sponsoring the “Show-me Shakeout” poster contest. Third, fourth, and fifth grade students in Missouri are invited to create a classroom poster promoting the Shakeout and earthquake safety. Last year’s winners were from Cuba, Macon, and Troy. 

Because many Missourians live within the New Madrid Seismic Zone – one of the most active seismic zones in the country – each February, Missouri observes Earthquake Awareness Month. On February 7, 1812, Missouri was rocked by one of the largest earthquakes ever to hit the continental United States. Centered in New Madrid, in southeastern Missouri, the earthquake altered the flow of the Mississippi River, turned rich farmland into fields of sand, and destroyed countless structures. People on the East Coast of the United States felt shaking, and church bells reportedly rang as far away as South Carolina. 

The risk of another large earthquake continues, and today the New Madrid Seismic Zone includes many population centers. Preparing and planning to respond to a major quake are essential. 

The statewide contest winners will receive $50-cash cards and emergency first aid kits for their classrooms. Winning posters will be displayed on SEMA's website and featured at earthquake awareness events during 2012. 

Contest Guidelines:

-  Each school will select a winning poster for each of the three grade levels (third, fourth, and fifth grades). 

-  Posters may be scanned or digitally photographed and submitted electronically in JPEG, GIF, PDF, or PNG format. Schools should retain the original poster if a submission is made electronically. 

-  All submissions must include the name of the school, name and age of the student, name of the school principal, and name of the classroom teacher. 

-  All posters must be submitted to SEMA by January 20, 2012 to be eligible. 

-  The school principal or lead teacher must submit or mail poster entries to:

                       Steve Besemer
                       State Emergency Management Agency
                       P. O. Box 116, 2302 Militia Drive
                       Jefferson City, MO  65102
                       E-Mail: steve.besemer@sema.dps.mo.gov 

-  Winners from each statewide grade level will be notified by February 1, 2012. 

-   Winning results will be posted on the SEMA website (sema.dps.mo.gov) and announced in statewide and regional press releases.