It is still Earthquake Preparedness Week. Be sure you are Prepared for Earthquakes, as well as any other disaster that might come your way. Prepare as best you can. Then Pray. And then STAND. Below you will find some very helpful information.
DISCLAIMER: In my posts I normally collect a number of written articles and videos related to the topic. I hightlight in red or black the parts of the articles that I think are important to note and try to leave it to the reader to come to their own conclusions. The object is to bring the facts/truths to your attention and cause you to look further into them yourself. Why? Because that is the only way to make the subject real to you. When you view the available information, search it our on your own, hopefully guided by the Holy Spirit, YOUR CONCLUSION is exactly that YOURS. It means something to you. It may be similar to mine or it may be completely different. We are all on our own course and in different places with our spiritual development. I pray that GOD speaks to you in a way that touches you. IF you see notes in green, those are my comments. Anything else, you find the source links on the titles, and the author and date will be below the titles. Just because I post an article or video in my articles, it does not mean that I agree with the author or support their stand. It does mean that I felt there was worthwhile information to be gleaned.
10-15-20 Quake News & Updates
JCrisp@tctelco.net
10:00 p.m.
Interestingly, it is National Earthquake Preparedness week in the U.S. and today was the “Great Shake Out” series ofearthquake drills happening in several parts of the country. For more information, see the Links & Resources section in tonight’ update.
PREP TIPS:
Interestingly, this is national Earthquake Preparedness week, with multiple “Great Shake-Out” earthquake drills happening today in different parts of the country, including in the New Madrid region. It is time to check your emergency packs to make sure you have everything you need. Remind your family to keep them accessible – easy to grab on their way out of the house. Make sure all your flashlights have fresh batteries. After supper tonight, suddenly tell all the family members to get your packs and meet at the front door ASAP and time them on how quickly they can get there with their emergency packs. If you want to make it more interesting, flip the breakers for the lights and have them do it in the dark. Everyone should have their shoes on, with packs and water bottles ready to go. Evaluate the performance. Discuss the importance of disaster preparedness. Help everyone get their stuff!These kinds of family home drills should be happening every 2-3 months, and more often in the current situation, and manifesting good attitudes from all.
There are some updates about the New Madrid quake threat in tonight’s update, so be sure to read those. If a big quake strikes the region, most of you won’t have to ask me when it struck, because most of you will feel it shake hard!
Summary: Overall, worldwide earthquake and volcanic activity is LOW right now.
It is the “calm before the storm,”when seismic activity picks up in a major way in the
next week. Another forecast is now complete with 100% accuracy on 65 regions. The New Madrid continues to manifest hot spots. Just so you don’t think every heat
signature is a wildfire, you should know that we see these kinds of hot spot temperatures
(800-1000+ degree Fahrenheit) out in the ocean – along faults and undersea mounts
(volcanoes) occasionally. Much of Missouri is now under a red flag burn ban, so these
are NOT farm field burn-offs. Hot spots were also seen in southern Illinois and NE
Arkansas yesterday. Today, cloud cover is preventing us from seeing them easily.
WATCHES & WARNINGS: imminent threats for large earthquakes or tsunamis
• The WARNING remains in effect for a large earthquake with a top-end potential in
the M5.4-6.6 (6.9) range to strike off the coast of the Pacific Northwest, along the
Juan de Fuca fracture zone, most likely off the coast of southern Oregon in the next
3-5 days. If this forecasted quake strikes as expected, California should be on ALERT for multiple M5.0+ range quakes in central and southern parts of the state occurring within a few days. I will update the forecast when it strikes.
• A WARNINGremains in effect for SE Missouri/NE Arkansas/West Tennessee, in the New Madrid seismic zone for a possible large quake with a high-end potential in the M4.9-7.9 (8.2) range in the next 6 days (by Oct. 21). A swarm in NE
Arkansas continues which may precede a larger event. Additional small quakes
have struck in NW Tennessee.
Attached is the current issue of the Quake News & Updates.
The to workers result from: being struck by structural components or furnishings, inadequately secured stored materials, burns resulting from building fires resulting from gas leaks or electrical shorts, or exposure to chemicals released from stored or process chemicals.Many of the hazards to workers both during and following an earthquake are predictable and may be reduced through hazard identification, planning, and mitigation.
There are many things you can do to prepare your workplace before an earthquake occurs:
Pick “safe places”. A safe place could be under a sturdy table or desk or against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases or tall furniture that could fall on you. The shorter the distance to move to safety, the less likely that you will be injured. Injury statistics show that people moving as little as ten feet during an earthquake’s shaking are most likely to be injured.
Practice drop, cover, and hold-on in each safe place. Drop under a sturdy desk or table and hold on to one leg of the table or desk. Protect your eyes by keeping your head down. Practice these actions so that they become an automatic response.
Practice these safe earthquake procedures (i.e., drop, cover, and hold-on) at least twice a year. Frequent practice will help reinforce safe behavior. When an earthquake or other disaster occurs, many people hesitate, trying to remember what they are supposed to do. Responding quickly and automatically may help protect you from injury.
Make a planfor workers to follow in the event of an earthquake and be sure that it includes the following precautions:
What are aftershocks?
Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes that follow the main shock and can cause further damage to weakened buildings. After-shocks can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or even months after the quake. Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks, and a larger earthquake might occur.
Wait in your safe place until the shaking stops, then check to see if you are hurt. You will be better able to help others if you take care of yourself first, and then check the people around you. Move carefully and watch out for things that have fallen or broken, creating hazards. Be ready for aftershocks.
Be on the lookout for fires. Fire is the most common earthquake-related hazard, due to broken gas lines, damaged electrical lines or appliances, and previously contained fires or sparks being released.
If you must leave a building after the shaking stops, use the stairs, not the elevator, and look for falling debris. Earthquakes can cause fire alarms and fire sprinklers to go off. You will not be able to rule out whether there is a real threat of fire, and the elevators may have been compromised. Always use the stairs.
If you’re outside in an earthquake, stay outside. Move away from buildings, trees, streetlights and overhead lines. Crouch down and cover your head. Many injuries occur within ten feet of the entrance to buildings. Bricks, roofing and other materials can fall from buildings, injuring persons nearby. Trees, streetlights and overhead lines may also fall, causing damage or injury.
Inform workers of the plan and discuss earthquakeswith workers. Everyone in your workplace should know what to do if an earthquake occurs. Discussing earthquakes ahead of time helps reduce fear and anxiety and lets everyone know how to respond.
Get training. Take a first-aid class from an organization such as the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or National Safety Council chapter.Get training on how to use a fire extinguisher. Keep your training current. Training will help you to keep focused and know what to do when an earthquake occurs.
Businesses can use the Federal Emergency Management Agency How to Series for protecting people/property during emergencies. Perform a workplace survey, especially if you are in an area with a high risk of earthquakes, to identify potential hazards to workers if an earthquake occurs. Look for furniture or materials that could fall and strike workers or block means of egress, or cause a release of hazardous materials, or otherwise affect the health and safety of workers as a result of utility loss or system/structural failure. Follow mitigation techniques recommended by FEMA for equipment and furniture.
Employers whose workers will be involved in emergency response operations for releases of, or substantial threats of releases of, hazardous substances regardless of the location of the hazard must comply with OSHA’s Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) standard, 29 CFR 1910.120. This may include emergency response following an earthquake. Instruction CPL 02-02-073 describes OSHA enforcement procedures under the relevant provisions of the HAZWOPER standard.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has promulgated a standard applying OSHA’s HAZWOPER standard to state and local government workers in states where there is no OSHA-approved State Plan. See 40 CFR Part 311.
Get emergency supply kits and keep them in shelter locations.
Basic Disaster Supplies Kit. Ready.gov – Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Lists supplies needed for a disaster kit.
Workplace Plans. Ready.gov – Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Provides basic information on developing an emergency management plan for the workplace.
Ensure that all workers know what to do in case of an earthquake.
Practice earthquake and evacuation plans on a regular basis.
Update plans and procedures based on lessons learned from exercises.
OSHA’s Disaster Site Worker Outreach Training Program is a training program for workers who provide skilled support services (e.g., utility, demolition, debris removal, or heavy equipment operation) or site clean-up services. The program highlights the differences between disaster sites and construction sites, and emphasizes the need for workers and employers to have pre-incident training.
ShakeOut is an annual global earthquake drill supported by FEMA, the U.S. Geological Society (USGS), the National Science Foundation, and others. Businesses and other organizations can register and participate for free. ShakeOut provides an earthquake Drill Manual for Businesses with lessons for workers and employers.
If emergency response authorities indicate specifically to do so.
If emergency response authorities indicate there is time to do so.
If you can reach a safe location before an event is expected to occur.
When environmental conditions would not expose evacuees to a dangerous environment.
Evacuation plans should include:
Conditions under which evacuation would be necessary (considering the above information);
When sheltering in place may be a better alternative;
A clear chain of command and designation of the person in workplace authorized to order an evacuation;
Specific evacuation procedures, including routes and exits;
Specific procedures for employers and workers in high-rise buildings (if applicable);
Procedures for assisting visitors and workers in evacuating, particularly those with disabilities or who do not speak English;
Designation of which, if any, workers will remain after an evacuation alarm to shutdown critical operations or perform other duties before evacuating; and
Special equipment for workers, including personal protective equipment and respiratory protection (e.g., escape respirators), if needed.
National Seismic Hazard Map
USGS updated their U.S. National Seismic Hazard Maps, which reflect the best and most current understanding of where future earthquakes will occur, how often they will occur, and how hard the ground will likely shake as a result. All states have some potential for earthquakes, 42 of the 50 states have a reasonable chance of experiencing damaging ground shaking from an earthquake in 50 years. The hazard is especially high along the west coast, intermountain west, and in several active regions of the central and eastern U.S., such as near New Madrid, MO, and near Charleston, SC. The 16 states at highest risk are AK, AR, CA, HI, ID, IL, KY, MO, MT, NV, OR, SC, TN, UT, WA, and WY.
2014 USGS National Seismic Hazard Map, displaying intensity of potential ground shaking from an earthquake in 50 years (which is the typical lifetime of a building).
Additional Resources
Public Service Announcement
The PSA amplifies earthquake safety awareness and the protective actions that people can take to protect themselves in the event of an earthquake.
Being Prepared for an Earthquake. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Discusses what to do before, during and after an earthquake. Provides advice on developing evacuation plans and gathering emergency supplies.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Ready.gov site provides additional information about worksite emergency preparedness programs.
The Red Cross Ready Rating Program also provides information for evaluating your workplace’s level of preparedness in advance of an emergency.
Earthquakes can occur anywhere in California, which means all Californians live with an earthquake risk. In addition to the shaking caused by earthquakes, other things can occur such as landslides, surface fault ruptures and liquefaction–all of which may cause injury or property damage. Some areas within California are also vulnerable to tsunamis should an earthquake occur. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services has emergency preparedness and response resources.
The state of California also has a Department of Conservation that provides services and information that promote environmental health, economic vitality, informed land-use decisions, and sound management of the state’s natural resources. Specifically, the California Geological Survey (CSG) has an earthquake website which includes various tools such as ShakeMaps (which are a representation of ground shaking produced by an earthquake), probability calculators, shaking hazards, and hazard zones.
The State of Oregon
Oregon is considered a high-risk state for earthquakes. In the last 130 years, the state has experienced several earthquakes over magnitude 5. The Oregon Office of Emergency Management’s Earthquake website has various preparedness resources posted including an earthquake evacuation checklist, information on Oregon Shakeout (which is an earthquake drill), training videos, and other publications and presentations.
In January 2004, Oregon published an Earthquake Preparedness and Mitigation Guidance for Oregon State Agency Offices and Warehouses. This document focuses on (1) what to do during an earthquake in office and warehouse settings and (2) what to do before an earthquake that will reduce casualties and non-structural damage during the earthquake. The report is for guidance only. Recommendations to create safe work environments are not requirements, except for those building code and other safety requirements that are specifically identified in the document.
To view earthquake preparedness and response for your State or Territory, please visit
This table shows that a magnitude 7.2 earthquake produces 10 times more ground motion than a magnitude 6.2 earthquake, but it releases about 32 times more energy. The Energy Change best indicates the destructive power of an earthquake. (USGS)
As an example, the Great Alaska Earthquake of 1964 was a 9.2 magnitude quake while the recent earthquake in Chili (4-1-2014) was an 8.2 magnitude quake. The change in magnitude of 1.0 is seen in the effects as both quakes caused Tsunamis. However the 8.2 quake caused a six foot tsunami while the 9.2 quake is said to have caused 12 to 21 foot waves from Alaska to California. spacer
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BOTTOM LINE
PROS
CONS
BEST OF THE BEST
Emergency Zone
840-2 Urban Survival Bug Out Bag Emergency Disaster Kit
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Camouflage bag is a nice change from bright red emergency bags, and included items cover the basics for post-earthquake supplies.
Owners like the included bag’s styling, which doesn’t scream “emergency.” Decent quality supplies, users report. Bag has enough room to pack extra supplies or clothing. Crank-charge flashlight/radio is a nice plus.
Backpack is a little bit small and the straps are somewhat narrow. Toothbrushes seem cheap. Unlike everything else in the bag, toilet paper is not in waterproof packaging. Varied expiration dates on packages in kit.
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK
Ready America
2 Person/3 Day Grab and Go BackPack Emergency Survival Kit
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The adequate daypack is filled with bare-bones essentials that users will have to supplement to be a true survival kit.
Owners feel the kit is adequate for a short-term survival situation. Decent quality pack, with some extra room for additional items, which we recommend you add in case of a major disaster.
Dust mask and gloves are low quality, and first-aid kit is inadequate, owners report. Water packs tend to leak, soaking other items (thus losing their benefit).
Ready America
70385 Deluxe Emergency Kit 4 Person Backpack
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A fairly well-appointed emergency kit with hand-crank radio and other essentials, but the backpack may be too flimsy for rough conditions.
A decent kit with most of the essentials to help in the short-term after an earthquake. Whistle, goggles and heavy-duty gloves are nice additions, users note.
Backpack is not waterproof and zipper breaks easily. Reports of water boxes leaking on arrival. Owners feel included food and water isn’t enough to sustain four people.
Wise
5-Day Survival Backpack
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Roomy backpack holds all the essentials plus personal additions, although included water won’t last the advertised five days.
Included backpack has plenty of room for additional items, and is easier to carry with the chest strap that is included. Pocket stove is a nice plus.
Food is in four-person servings only, rather than one-person. Only enough water for a couple of days, not five. All food must be rehydrated, requiring more water. Some owners are turned off by the pungent mothball or vinyl smell of the package.
GetReadyNow
Personal Survival Kit and Emergency Pack for Cars, Trucks, RVs, and Trailers
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A very good starter kit with the basic essentials one would need in case of an earthquake or other natural disaster.
Fairly compact kit that stores easily in the car trunk or corner of the pantry. Experienced users feel it is a good starter earthquake kit. Sturdy carrying handle. “Nothing felt like a throwaway to bulk up the bag,” one user noted.
Water containers look like juice boxes, some owners feel, with only just enough water to get by on. Reports of water containers broken or leaking on arrival.
HOW WE DECIDED
We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.
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BUYING GUIDE FOR BEST EARTHQUAKE KITS
Last Updated October 2020
No one likes thinking about natural disasters or other emergencies that might put your family at risk, but ignoring the possibility won’t keep you and your loved ones safe. Being prepared is the best way to ensure that your family is as safe as possible no matter what might happen.
If you live in an area that’s prone to earthquakes, an earthquake kit is an invaluable to have on hand. A good kit should contain everything a family needs to survive for a few days, in case help can’t get to you right away after a disaster. You can build your own earthquake preparation kit, but purchasing a pre-made version is often easier, cheaper, and safer than assembling the pieces yourself. But that’s only if you choose the right kit with all the proper supplies — and that can be tricky if you’re not exactly sure what a well-stocked earthquake kit should contain.
At BestReviews, we can help make the shopping process a little easier. We don’t accept products from manufacturers, so our recommendations are completely unbiased. We also conduct field and expert research to examine the top earthquake kits on the market more closely, which allows us to pass along all the info you need to choose the best kit for your family. Choose from our top picks, and for general info on choosing an earthquake kit, continue reading our shopping guide.
The National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC) reports approximately 20,000 earthquakes around the world every year.
WHO NEEDS AN EARTHQUAKE KIT?
If you live in an area classified as high risk for damaging earthquakes, an earthquake kit is a must-have to keep your family safe. Earthquakes occur most frequently in Alaska, California, Nevada, Hawaii, Washington, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Utah, and Oregon, but Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, South Carolina, and Tennessee are at higher than average risk as well.
You don’t necessarily need to live in an earthquake-prone area to purchase an earthquake kit, though. These kits can come in handy for any disaster, including hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding.
Pre-made earthquake kits are often cheaper than purchasing the essential items individually as well, so you can save you money.
BENEFITS OF BUYING AN EARTHQUAKE KIT
While it’s possible to purchase the individual components for an earthquake kit on your own, it can be somewhat difficult to keep track of all the supplies, which may lead to you forgetting key items. A kit has all the items you need in one place, so you don’t wind up without an important item during an emergency. Kits are often cheaper than purchasing the essential items individually as well, which can save you money.
The food and water included in the kits are usually more shelf-stable than items you’d buy yourself, and are shelf-stable for as many as five years. That means you don’t need to replace the food and water as often as you would with a homemade kit.
EXPERT TIP
Keep a list in your earthquake kit with the contact info for other family members, so you can get in touch even if you don’t have access to your cell phone.
Staff | BestReviews
WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR IN AN EARTHQUAKE KIT?
Size
Earthquake kits are available in a variety of sizes, in terms of both how many people a kit accomodates, and how many days the supplies will last. In most cases, you’ll have to choose between kits for two people and kits for four people, depending on the size of your household.
Emergency management organizations like FEMA and the Red Cross recommend having supplies for at least three days, so choose a kit with enough supplies for at least that period of time.
You can find kits that provide enough supplies for up to five days if you want some extra peace of mind.
What to Put in an Earthquake Kit
Container
Most earthquake kits come in some sort of container that houses and protects the items. Some containers are as simple as a large bucket or clear, vinyl pouch. This type of container isn’t always the easiest to carry if you must evacuate your home, though.
Kits that come in a high-quality backpack are usually your best bet. They are highly durable and portable, so if you need to leave your home, you can easily take all of your supplies with you.
Make sure you choose a kit with a backpack that has some empty compartments or pockets. That allows you to add personal items to the kit, to ensure that you have everything you need if an emergency occurs.
EXPERT TIP
Test the weight of your earthquake kit to ensure that you can comfortably carry it. If it’s too heavy, eliminate unnecessary items, or divide items between a couple of bags, so multiple family members can carry them.
Staff | BestReviews
Water and food
Two of the most important components of an earthquake kit are food and drinkable water. If you’re trapped in your home for a few days, you need plenty of each to survive.
Most earthquake kits contain pouches of water, which are easier to fit in a backpack or other container than bottled water.
It’s also a good idea to choose a kit that includes water purification powder, in case you run out of packaged water.
Earthquake kits typically contain two types of food: nutritious food bars that don’t require any preparation, and dehydrated food packets that require mixing with water and heating. A kit with both types ensures that you’ll have food to eat even if you don’t have access to electricity, or some other means of heating water.
DID YOU KNOW?
Nutritious food bars are an ideal component for an earthquake kit, because you can easily eat them with any preparation.
Safety gear
You may suffer injuries or be exposed to a variety of hazardous conditions, either during a disastor or while navigating conditions afterward. Your earthquake kit should provide all the safety gear necessary to keep your family safe.
A first aid kit is obviously a necessity to deal with any possible injuries. The kit should contain:
Antibacterial ointment
Antiseptic cleansing wipes
Hydrocortisone cream packets
Adhesive plastic bandages in varying sizes
Gauze pads in different sizes
Gauze roll bandages
First aid tape
Thermometer
Tweezers
Scissors
Gloves, preferably non-latex
First aid guide
An earthquake kit should also contain gloves, dust masks, and goggles or protective eyewear to keep you from touching, inhaling, or exposing your eyes to hazardous substances or materials.
It’s a good idea to choose a kit with biohazard bags, plastic sheeting, and duct tape too, so you can contain any possible dangerous materials that may be in your home.
In case you’re trapped in your home and need to alert rescue crews, your kit should have an emergency whistle, too.
FOR YOUR SAFETY
It’s important to have a designated spot for your earthquake kit in your home, so it’s easily accessible, and everyone in the house knows where to find it.
Tools
Electricity can easily go out during an earthquake or other natural disaster, so you should choose an earthquake kit with at least one flashlight and some light sticks to illuminate your home.
A small radio and the appropriate batteries also come in handy because they allow you to stay up to date on possible news alerts. Some kits include a wind-up radio. These are an excellent option, particularly if you have the misfortune of being stuck in one place for an extended period of time.
It’s also a good idea for the kit to have some sort of multitool that features a screwdriver, can opener, knife, and other blades or useful items.
EXPERT TIP
While the electricity may be out at your home after an earthquake, it’s a good idea to have a spare cell phone charger in your earthquake kit to charge your phone if the opportunity presents itself.
Staff | BestReviews
Hygiene and toiletries
You may not have access to running water, but it’s important to have some toiletries in your earthquake kit just in case. Toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, and a washcloth are obviously important, as are a comb, razor, and feminine pads.
Miscellaneous supplies
Some other items that come in handy in an earthquake kit include blankets, an emergency poncho, moist wipes, and rope.
FOR YOUR SAFETY
When an earthquake occurs, you should drop to the ground, take cover under a heavy piece of furniture, and hold onto the item until the trembling stops.
WHAT SHOULD YOU PAY FOR AN EARTHQUAKE KIT?
Earthquake kits vary in price based on their size, container, and contents. You can typically expect to spend between $40 and $300.
For a kit with supplies for two people that will last about three days, you’ll usually pay between $40 and $60.
For a kit with supplies for two people that will last about five days, you’ll usually pay between $60 and $80.
For a kit with supplies for four people that will last about three days, you’ll usually pay between $140 and $180.
For a kit with supplies for four people that will last about five days, you’ll usually pay between $200 and $300.
TIPS AND TRICKS
The garage is often a good place to keep an earthquake kit because garages are usually built on a concrete floors, which provides more stability during an earthquake. That means your garage is more likely to be accessible after a disaster.
Items in your earthquake kit have a shelf life, so keep track of when they expire, and replace them as needed.
You should supplement your earthquake kit with personal items, such as prescription medicines and copies of important documents, such as your insurance policies and identification.
It’s a good idea to keep additional earthquake kits in your car and at the office, so you’re prepared no matter where you are when an emergency strikes.
FAQ
Q. What’s the most important feature to look for in an earthquake kit container?
A. Ideally, your kit should be highly portable, so you can grab it and go if you have to evacuate your home. That’s why kits that come in a backpack are so convenient. But it’s important to look for a kit that comes in a backpack or bag that’s water-resistant and tear-resistant, to ensure that it will hold up in emergency situations.
Q. What type of shelf life do the food and water pouches in earthquake kits usually have?
A. The shelf life of the food and water depends on the specific kit, so it’s important to read the manufacturer’s instructions to determine when items expire. In general, though, water pouches have a shelf life of five years, while whole food bars and pouches typically have a seven year shelf life.
Q. What additional items should you add to a store-bought earthquake kit?
A. In addition to personal items, such as medication and documents, you may also want to add a change of clothes and some cash to the bag, in case you must leave your home. It’s also important to take your pets into account — make sure that you have food, water, a leash, medications, and any other items that your furry friend may need.
OTHER PRODUCTS WE CONSIDERED
The BestReviews editorial team researches hundreds of products based on consumer reviews, brand quality, and value. We then choose a shorter list for in-depth research and testing before finalizing our top picks. These are the products we considered that ultimately didn’t make our top 5.
REDFORA
Complete Earthquake Bag
EVERLIT
Earthquake Emergency Kit 72-Hour Bug Out Bag for 2
HOME | MORE NEWS | EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS WEEK IS OCT. 11-17, 2020, IN SOUTH CAROLINA
Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed Earthquake Preparedness Week for 2020 to be observed October 11-17 in South Carolina. The S.C. Emergency Management Division encourages everyone to take this opportunity to learn about our state’s seismic fault system and how best to prepare for earthquakes. A highlight of the week will be the Great Southeast ShakeOut on Thursday, October 15 at 10:15 a.m.
More than one million people across eight states and Washington D.C. will take part in the Great SouthEast ShakeOut earthquake safety drill. The regional ShakeOut drill is part of an international effort in which participants simultaneously practice how to stay safe during an earthquake — “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”. For most people, in most situations, this means to:
DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees;
COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand, as you crawl for shelter under a nearby table or desk;
HOLD ON to your shelter with one hand until shaking stops (remain on your knees and covering your head and neck with your other arm and hand).
While COVID-19 has brought many uncertainties and challenges, you can hold your drill when and where you want. You can choose another date or several dates, and include people in multiple locations (home, work, or school), perhaps through video conferencing.
Schools, businesses, organizations, government agencies, communities, and households are all encouraged to participate. Worldwide, 12 million people are currently expected to participate in Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills next Thursday. Although the primary activity of the ShakeOut is based upon a drill procedure similar to a fire or tornado drill, participants are encouraged to take actions to become better prepared for all disasters. This could include:
Securing heavy items to prevent them from causing injuries during an earthquake
Creating an emergency plan and/or updating emergency supply kits
Talking with their families and neighbors about emergency preparedness
Registration on the Great Southeast ShakeOut site is an important part of this event. This event is open to everyone in South Carolina. To register, go to www.shakeout.org/southeast.
Similar to other emergency preparedness drills sponsored by SCEMD, the signal to begin the drill will be broadcast next Thursday at 10:15 a.m. on NOAA tone-alert weather radio and broadcast media. All media are encouraged to participate in the ShakeOut by broadcasting the drill message issued by SCEMD and the National Weather Service.
There have been eight low-magnitude earthquakes recorded in South Carolina so far this year. Our state experiences approximately 10 to 20 earthquakes a year according to geologists with the College of Charleston. The South Carolina Emergency Manager mobile app has an earthquake map feature that lists recent earthquake activity. It also allows you to sign up to be notified when an earthquake occurs.
The epicenter of the largest earthquake ever recorded along the eastern United States seaboard was just outside of Charleston on August 31, 1886. The 7.3 magnitude quake devastated the region and was felt from Chicago to Cuba. According to a study commissioned by SCEMD, an earthquake of similar magnitude occurring today would result in tremendous loss of life, severe property damage and extreme economic loss.Click here for your free South Carolina Earthquake Guide.
PHILADELPHIA – The annual Great ShakeOut earthquake drill will take place Oct. 15 across the United States and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 3 office wants to encourage the Whole Community to participate and learn the simple but critical safety steps to preparing for and staying safe during an earthquake. The Great ShakeOut is the largest earthquake drill worldwide and over 11 million people are already registered to practice their earthquake safety plans.
We encourage everyone to Drop, Cover, and Hold On with us at 10:15 AM Eastern on Oct. 15.
Earthquakes are normally thought of as a west coast hazard, but they can happen anywhere, such as the 2011 earthquake in Virginia. Worldwide there is an average of one damaging earthquake almost every third day.
“Damaging earthquakes can occur at any time – where we work, live or travel,” stated FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “To be best prepared to respond quickly, we must practice earthquake safety on a regular basis. The Great ShakeOut provides an excellent opportunity to practice our earthquake preparedness skills together.”
While COVID-19 will make this year’s ShakeOut look different, we still encourage you to participate at home or socially distanced.
To help people to prepare and participate, FEMA Region 3 produced a white board video highlighting the steps to practice for the Great ShakeOut. The Great ShakeOut also produces additional videos that address how to protect yourself from earthquakes in a number of scenarios – whether an earthquake strikes while you are in your home, car, bed or elsewhere.
The Great ShakeOut is set for Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020 at 10:15 AM Eastern. During the self-led drill, participants practice how to “Drop, Cover and Hold On.” For most
people, in most situations, the recommended earthquake safety action is to:
DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees;
COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand, as you crawl for shelter under a nearby table or desk;
HOLD ON to your shelter with one hand until shaking stops (remain on your knees and covering your head and neck with your other arm and hand).
The Great ShakeOut is free and open to the public. Participants include individuals, schools, businesses, local and state government agencies, and many other groups. To take part in the ShakeOut, register to participate at www.shakeout.org. Once registered, you’ll receive regular information on how to plan your drill and become better prepared for earthquakes and other disasters.
Hundreds of thousands of people will participate in this event in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia, joining Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills occurring throughout the nation and in several countries. More than 11 million people around the globe are expected to participate. In addition to safety drills, many participants take extra steps to become more prepared for earthquakes or other disasters.
The Great ShakeOut is nationally sponsored by the United States Geological Survey, FEMA, and the National Science Foundation and is supported by dozens of other partners. The Great ShakeOut is coordinated globally by the Southern California Earthquake Center.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Here in Middle Tennessee and southern Kentucky, earthquakes are not something many people think about. But the New Madrid Fault, located in northwest Tennessee, northeast Arkansas, and southeast Missouri is still active.
Did you know that in 1811-1812, the fault produced a series of earthquakes that shook the ground so hard that sidewalks cracked in Washington, D.C. and church bells along the east coast rang from the shaking?
The Mississippi River temporarily flowed backward, and Reelfoot Lake was formed in northwest Tennessee.
The early settlers were terrified by the tremendous upheaval of land, trees, and all that stood in the region.
Geologists say that the New Madrid Fault could produce another major earthquake. That’s why today, many organizations across the Midsouth and around the nation took place in what is called ‘The Great Shakeout’ drill.
Williamson County EMA Senior Operations Manager Bryan Hovde explained what ‘The Great ShakeOut’ is all about:
“‘The Great Central U.S. ShakeOut’ is part of a national, if not global effort to encourage earthquake preparedness across the country,” said Hovde, “We encourage everybody to practice an earthquake drill. When we are reacting to an earthquake, anytime that you feel the ground start to move under your feet, we encourage people to drop, cover, and hold on so it doesn’t rock away from you.”
And it’s not just the New Madrid Fault that scientists are worried about in this part of the country.
“We here in Middle Tennessee are sandwiched between the New Madrid Seismic Zone and the East Tennessee Seismic Zone, which the East Tennessee Seismic Zone is the second most active seismic zone in the U.S. east of the Rockies,” explained Hovde.
“So living here in Middle Tennessee, we live equidistant between these two very active seismic zones. A lot of times we forget. We focus on things like flooding and tornadoes, and we see these weather things that happen in our communities, but we forget that earthquakes are a thing that we experience here.”
To learn more about “The Great ShakeOut” and how to get your organization involved, visit shakeout.org.
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