Most Missourians probably know what to do when they hear tornado sirens, weather alerts, or predictions of floods in the area, but few know how to prepare for an earthquake.
Unlike storms, it is difficult to predict when and where an earthquake will hit next. Many associate the West Coast as the region most prone to Earthquakes in the U.S., but the reality is that most everyone in the country could be at risk.
The New Madrid earthquakes that hit Missouri in 1811 and 1812 are a reminder of the unpredictable and devastating nature of earthquakes. Four earthquakes hit the New Madrid area in southern Missouri, and they were felt as far away as Pennsylvania.
These earthquakes ranged in magnitude from 7.1 to 8.0 in the Richter Magnitude Scale. To put it in context, the earthquake that hit Japan in March 2011 was considered one of the most powerful earthquakes to hit the island nation with a magnitude of 9.0 Richter. The Missouri earthquakes did not cause much loss of life because the area was not very populated, but there are accounts that in some places, the earthquake seemed to have changed the direction of the Mississippi river.
One of our goals at Woodard Catastrophe Response Services, is to help home and business owners to better understand the risks of events such as an earthquake, and help them be better prepared.
To help you prepare, here are a few tips on how you, your family, and business should prepare for an earthquake:
● Have an emergency plan in place and practice it at least twice a year in your home and business.
● Identify safe places where you can quickly cover from falling debris, whether at home, school, or business. A sturdy piece of furniture such as a bed or a desk or table can provide some protection.
● Practice dropping and covering. Cover vital areas of your body such as head, neck and back.
● Should an earthquake occur, stay away from windows or any other glass.
● Do not exit the building until the shaking stops.
● If you are outside, stay clear from trees, power lines or buildings. Cover your head and neck with your arms and stay there until the shaking stops.
● If you are in a car at the time of an earthquake, pull over to a clear area and stop the car. Avoid going under bridges or other structures and avoid going over all overpasses and bridges if possible.
● Find a place to cover properly until the shaking has completely stopped and authorities indicate it is safe again.
● Once the shaking stops, remember powerful aftershocks can be just as devastating.
At Woodard, we can’t stress enough the importance of being prepared. For more information on how to prepare for an earthquake, visit www.redcross.org. If you have any questions on how your business can develop an emergency plan, please give us a call!
