Earthquake Preparedness

Are you prepared for an earthquake?  Since we can’t predict when an earthquake will occur, it is important that everyone be prepared before it happens.  According to USGS the world experiences an earthquake almost everyday. Check out what’s shaking around the world.

This U.S. Geological survey map shows the hot zones for potential earthquakes in the U.S.

Know Your Risk

What

An earthquake is the sudden, rapid shaking of the earth, caused by the breaking and shifting of subterranean rock as it releases strain that has accumulated over a long period of time. Initial mild shaking may strengthen and become extremely violent within seconds. Additional earthquakes, called aftershocks, may follow the initial earthquake. Most are smaller than the initial earthquake but larger magnitude aftershocks also occur.  Earthquakes may cause household items to become dangerous projectiles; cause buildings to move off foundations or collapse, damage utilities, roads, bridges and dams, or cause fires and explosions. They may also trigger landslides, avalanches, and tsunamis.

Where

All 50 states and 5 U.S. territories are at some risk for earthquakes. The risk is higher in identified seismic zones including the San Andreas Fault in California, the Cascadia Subduction Zone in western Oregon, Washington, Alaska and the New Madrid Fault Zone in Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky and the east coast including the mid-Atlantic, coastal South Carolina and New England..

When

Earthquakes can happen at any time of the year and occur without warning, although they usually last less than one minute. Aftershocks following the initial earthquake may occur for hours, days, or even months. Earthquakes cannot be predicted — although scientists are working on it!

Here you will find information on how to prepare for and what to do when an earthquake happens.

What to Do Before an Earthquake

What to Do During an Earthquake

What to Do After an Earthquake

All information above is from the FEMA website.

An earthquake can strike quickly and with little or no warning. This guide offers emergency plans for protecting yourself and your loved ones before, during and after an earthquake.

• Earthquake hazards
• Disaster supply kit
• Mental effects
• 36 Pages

Table of Contents:

1. Know the basics
2. Earthquake hazards
3. Disaster supply kit
4. Before an earthquake
5. During an earthquake
6. After an earthquake
7. Mental effects
8. Fast facts

 

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For more information and resources on Earthquake Preparedness, please visit the web sites below.

U.S. Geological Survey
http://www.usgs.gov/

 

US Department of Homeland Security – FEMA
http://www.fema.gov/

American Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org/

 

Ready Gov
http://www.ready.gov/

CDC – Center For Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/

 

Seismic Warning Systems
http://www.seismicwarning.com/index.php

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