With winter weather here and more on the way, the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) and the Arkansas Geological Survey (AGS) remind Arkansans that if you are prepared for winter weather then you are on your way to being prepared for an earthquake. Governor Mike Beebe has declared February 7-11, 2011, Earthquake Preparedness Week.
Arkansas’ largest threat occurs in an area known as the New Madrid Seismic Zone. This is where our largest earthquake, M7.7 occurred in 1811. The New Madrid Seismic Zone includes portions of Arkansas, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama.
Arkansas experienced multiple earthquakes each month of 2010. These tremors, most of which went unnoticed, occurred throughout the state. There were 767 earthquakes recorded in Arkansas during 2010.
“Preparation is the key to minimizing earthquake deaths, injuries, property damage and economic loss,” said ADEM Director David Maxwell. “While Arkansans know the threat of tornadoes, floods and ice storms, it is important to remember that earthquakes pose a significant threat as well. Unlike the other threats, earthquakes cannot be predicted. This is why it is important to be prepared at all times.”
In addition to making a disaster supply kit and having a family emergency plan, ADEM encourages citizens to do the following to prepare for an earthquake:
• Learn to DROP, COVER and HOLD ON! 1. DROP to the floor.
2. Take COVER under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, seek cover against an interior wall and protect your head and neck with your arms.
3. HOLD ON until the shaking stops.
Practice the drill at least twice a year with your family.
• Pick a safe place in every room of your home, such as under a sturdy table or desk or against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases or tall furniture that could fall on you.
• Anchor heavy objects and potential falling hazards (bookcases, wall units, mirrors, cabinets, etc.).
• Talk with your insurance agent. Different areas have different requirements for earthquake protection. Study locations of active faults. If you are at risk, consider purchasing earthquake insurance.
• Sign up for Earthquake Notifications. Register at the United States Geological Survey (USGS) https://sslearthquake.usgs.gov/ens/
and learn about other products and services that USGS offers.
DURING AN EARTHQUAKE REMEMBER:
• Drop, Cover, and Hold On!
• If you are in a vehicle during an earthquake, stay inside the vehicle. Pull to the side of the road and stay in the car with your seatbelt fastened.
• If you are outside during an earthquake, stay outside. Move away from buildings, trees, streetlights and power lines. Crouch down and cover your head.
• Wait in your safe place until the shaking stops. Check to see if you are hurt and do a safety check of the area around you. Be ready for additional earthquakes called “aftershocks.”
For more information on preparing an all-hazards disaster kit and tips for protecting your property against earthquake, visit ADEM online at www.adem.arkansas.gov. Additional information is available from the Arkansas Geological Survey at www.geology.ar.gov, the Central United States Earthquake Consortium at www.cusec.org, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, www.fema.gov.
