Avian Flu Diary: USGS: Central U.S. Earthquake Preparedness Handbook

# 5527

With the Great Central U.S. Shakeout drill scheduled for later this morning, today is a good day to promote the new and revised Central U.S. Earthquake Handbook provided by the USGS.

Here is the press release, followed by a link to the (large & graphic intensive) PDF file.

NOTE: I experienced some difficulties viewing this PDF in my (firefox/Foxit reader) browser, and had to save it to my desktop before viewing.

Preparing for the Great ShakeOut Drill: Handbook Offers Vital Earthquake History and Preparedness Information to Central U.S. Residents

Released: 4/27/2011 5:48:44 PM

Contact Information:
U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey
Office of Communication
119 National Center
Reston, VA 20192

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) encourages people to join the millions in 11 states who have signed up to participate in the April 28, 2011, Great Central U.S. ShakeOut drill. The upcoming 200^th anniversary of the New Madrid earthquakes is an opportune time to consider earthquake preparedness and learn about the region’s earthquake history. Go to the ShakeOut website to sign up for the drill, learn preparedness tips and learn how to “Drop, Cover and Hold On” during an earthquake.

A newly released handbook from the USGS can assist with preparing for earthquakes in the central United States. “Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country – Your Handbook for Earthquakes in the Central United States” provides detailed information about the threat of earthquakes in this part of the country, particularly along the New Madrid and Wabash Valley seismic zones.

"Everyone has an individual responsibility for earthquake safety, but you're also part of a bigger community," said USGS Director Marcia McNutt. "In addition to saving lives, the goal of this drill is to help develop resilient communities that can recover more quickly after natural disasters. I encourage you to learn what steps you can take to help the places you live and work ride out the next earthquake with minimal impact."

(Continue . . . )

Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country—Your Handbook for Earthquakes in the Central United States

U.S. Geological Survey contributors: Richard Dart, Jill McCarthy, Natasha McCallister, and Robert A. Williams

This handbook provides information to residents of the Central United States about the threat of earthquakes in that area, particularly along the New Madrid seismic zone, and explains how to prepare for, survive, and recover from such events. It explains the need for concern about earthquakes for those residents and describes what one can expect during and after an earthquake.

Much is known about the threat of earthquakes in the Central United States, including where they are likely to occur and what can be done to reduce losses from future earthquakes, but not enough has been done to prepare for future earthquakes. The handbook describes such preparations that can be taken by individual residents before an earthquake to be safe and protect property.