Earthquake Information Pages

 

Preparing for the Next Big One . . .

 Are you prepared for a major Earthquake? Large (magnitude > 8.0) earthquakes have occurred along the Mississippi River valley in the Missouri Bootheel area, near New Madrid, MO and near Blytheville, AR as recently as 1811-1812. To the north of this area, recent geological studies indicate that earthquakes, as large as M=7.0, have occurred along the Wabash River between Illinois and Indiana. On October 31, 1895 a 6.7 magnitude earthquake centered near Charleston, MO shook the area causing a great deal of damage. Seismologists and geologists researching the problem tell us that these (magnitude 6.0+) events seem to occur about every 100 years for this area. It is likely that a large earthquake (at least M>6.0-6.5) will occur in our lifetime somewhere within or adjacent to the New Madrid Seismic Zone. Are you prepared for such a potentially damaging event? Do you know what to do Before, During, and After a major earthquake? Here's a checklist of earthquake safety tips.

 

 Before an Earthquake Occurs

1. Prepare an emergency kit:

  • flashlight
  • first-aid kit
  • battery powered radio
  • bottled water
  • stored food items

3. Learn your building's safe areas:

  • inside corner of building
  • under sturdy furniture
  • in supported doorway

2. Learn your building's dangerous areas:

  • near windows
  • near shelves
  • near bookcases, etc.

4. Learn the main utility shutoffs

5. Secure heavy shelves and appliances

6. Memorize emergency phone numbers

 

 During an Earthquake

1. Remain calm

3. Do not exit building immediately

5. If in a vehicle pull off the road  away from falling objects

2. If indoors move away from windows

4. If out of doors move to an open area away from overhead power lines

 

 After an Earthquake Occurs

1. Remain calm

3. Watch for dangerous debris

5. Shut off gas/water mains

2. Evacuate building in safe manner

4. Help others who may be injured

6. Prepare for possible aftershocks

  Visit the one of these web sites for more information on preparing your home or school for an earthquake.

 

 

  

 

 Table of Contents:

SIUC / College of Science / Geology / Quakes / Prepare
URL: http://www.geology.siu.edu/quakes/prepare.html

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