Arkansas earthquake drill Thursday morning

An earthquake drill is in the planning to help Arkansans make plans for how to react if a temblor strikes.

The mock earthquake is set for 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, and the American Red Cross suggests families, workplaces and other gathering points should assess their readiness.

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The New Madrid fault runs through northeast Arkansas and, though it has been relatively quiet in recent time, it has the potential to unleash a devastating quake.

If the New Madrid is the center of a major temblor, damage would be most severe in Arkansas and Tennessee, with Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky also affected.

If the earth starts to shake, the Red Cross says residents should "drop, cover and hold."

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