# 4346
Yes. It can happen here.
At least, in most areas of the United States, and for that matter, much of the world. We live on a seismically active planet where earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis occur with some regularity.
1. Based on observations since 1900. 2. Based on observations since 1990. NOTE: The NEIC estimates that several million earthquakes occur in the world each year. Many go undetected because they hit remote areas or have very small magnitudes.
Source: National Earthquake Information Center, U.S. Geological Survey.
Seismically active areas of the world
For about 10 years I lived in the orange ring of the bullseye (New Madrid fault) in the center of our country. In 1811 and 1812, that fault produced four of the largest quakes ever felt in the United States (8.1-8.3), so I have a keen appreciation of the hazards.
And of course, the mid-west was jolted this past week by a minor temblor, when a 3.8 magnitude quake struck northern Illinois. A reminder that some cities not normally associated with earthquake risks, are still vulnerable to being shaken.
Earthquakes, like Hurricanes, Tornados, Floods, and yes . . . even pandemics . . . are hazards everyone should be aware of, and prepared to deal with. A prime focus of this blog has always been preparedness.
Everyone should have a disaster plan. Everyone should have a good first aid kit, a `bug-out bag’, and sufficient emergency supplies to last a bare minimum of 72 hours.
A few of my essays on home preparedness include:
Inside My Bug Out Bag
Those Who Forget Their History . . .
The Gift Of Preparedness
Red Cross Unveils `Do More Than Cross Your Fingers’ Campaign
With the horrific events in Haiti still fresh in our memory, and the constant seismic reminders beneath our feet that things can change in an instant, FEMA asks Are You Earthquake Prepared?
FEMA Asks: Are You Earthquake Prepared?
FEMA reminds residents, now's the time to prepare for all disasters, including earthquakes
Release Date: February 11, 2010
Release Number: R7-10-002
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Midwesterners expect and prepare for a variety of seasonal hazards such as extreme snow, ice, flooding, tornadoes and severe weather. But the non-seasonal threat of earthquakes may not register on every family’s hazard scale.
That’s why the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region VII is urging residents to become “Earthquake Prepared” by exercising a few safety measures to help prepare themselves for earthquakes and disasters of all types.
“Recent earthquakes, both domestic and abroad, illustrate the magnitude of devastation and destruction an earthquake can cause,” said Beth Freeman, Regional Administrator for FEMA Region VII.
“These events serve as a reminder that it is important to be prepared for all hazards, including earthquakes,” she added. “Easy steps, such as reviewing earthquake safety tips and updating your home emergency plan, can be life-saving.”
The Midwest is not immune to earthquakes. FEMA Region VII, which is comprised of the states: Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska, is home to several faults, most notably the New Madrid and the Humboldt-Nemaha. In March of 1964, a 5.1 magnitude earthquake near Merriman, Nebraska, cracked roads, collapsed banks of the Niobrara River, and shook dishes and canned goods from shelves. A similar-sized earthquake in 2008 hit Mt. Carmel, Illinois, causing damage to some buildings including a high school gymnasium, and was felt in 23 states including all Region VII states.
In December 2009, six different earthquakes, three of which were greater than 3.0 magnitude, rattled windows and shook the ground in various regions across Oklahoma, Arkansas, Nebraska and Missouri. The largest series of earthquakes in the continental U.S. occurred along the New Madrid, in southeast Missouri in 1811 and 1812.
Even though earthquakes are not frequent, residents should know what to do before, during and after one hits:
Before an earthquake occurs:
- Consider purchasing earthquake insurance.
- Buy a 20-gallon garbage can and fill it with emergency supplies.
- Consider retrofitting your home to make it more resistant to earthquake damage.
- Educate your children about earthquake safety.
- Anchor heavy furniture, shelves, cupboards and appliances to the walls or floor. -
- Store dangerous chemicals such as flammable liquids and poisons in a secure place.
- Learn how to shut off the gas, electricity and water.
- Have money in savings for post-catastrophic expenses that aren’t covered by your earthquake insurance policy. These expenses may include higher insurance deductible and repair or replacement claims that exceed your policy limits.
When an earthquake hits, what to do if you’re indoors:
- DROP to the ground;
- Take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and
- HOLD ON until the shaking stops. Cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
- Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall
- Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
- Stay inside until shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
- Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
When an earthquake hits, what to do if you’re outdoors:
- Stay there. Drop, Cover and Hold.
- Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
- Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits, and alongside exterior walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.
For more information on earthquake safety, including what to do before, during, and after and earthquake and how to check for earthquake hazards in your home visit
