Released April 18, 2008

URBANA, Ill. -- Registrations for a multi-state earthquake conference, scheduled before Friday's tremors, have been extended until April 25. The New Madrid Earthquake Emergency Preparedness Conference will be held May 6-7 at Harrah's Conference Center in Metropolis.

University of Illinois Extension is sponsoring the conference in conjunction with Extension services in Arkansas, Indiana, Missouri, and Tennessee.

"The goal of this conference is to help communities and residents prepare for the threat of a potentially devastating earthquake in the New Madrid Seismic Zone," said Jody Johnson, Extension director for Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Pulaski, and Union counties. "Local and state government leaders, business owners, state and federal emergency staff, and local citizens should consider attending this conference."

Among the topics on the agenda are: preparing for disaster--evacuation routes, emergency kits, and utility information; earthquake communication plans; earthquake risk reduction; and community planning.

Johnson said those attending the conference will also receive an educational DVD to use in their communities to better and inform local citizens.

Registration is $40 per person and must be completed by April 25. Discount rates at the hotel are available only through April 22.

Registration may be completed online at (http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/state/newsdetail.cfm?NewsID=10042). Further information can be obtained by contacting Linda Poston at (618) 833-6363.

-30-

http://www.aces.uiuc.edu/news/stories/news4374.html

Contacts: Bob Sampson, (217) 244-0225, rsampson@uiuc.edu

Linda Poston, (618) 833-6363