INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ The Indiana Department of Homeland Security is encouraging state residents to take part in an earthquake drill that will be conducted throughout the central United States next month.

The Great Central U.S. ShakeOut will be held Oct. 16. Homeland Security officials say nearly 1.9 million participants have registered so far, and Indiana leads the way with nearly 395,000 signed up. Other states taking part include Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma and Tennessee.

At 10:16 a.m. on Oct, 16, participants should drop to the ground, take cover under a table or desk, and hold on to a table or desk as if a major earthquake were happening.

More information can be found on the Great Central U.S. Shakeout site at GetPrepared.IN.gov.