Illinois is taking part in an eight-state earthquake drill and says participants should "drop, cover and hold on" at 10:15 a.m. CST Thursday.

The Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium organizes the annual "ShakeOut," allowing individuals, schools, organizations and governments a chance to practice taking cover. Other states taking part are Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Indiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee.

The event falls on the 201st anniversary of the New Madrid, Mo., earthquakes, the last of which occurred on Feb. 7, 1812.

The Kentucky Division of Emergency Management says more than 2.7 million people have registered for this year's drill, including more than a half-million from Kentucky. To register, visit http://www.shakeout.org/centralus/register/ .