You may not think of earthquakes when listing the natural hazards in Arkansas, but in 1811 -1822, the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ) produced three of the largest earthquakes ever experienced in the continental United States. The series of earthquakes dramatically affected the landscape and even altered the flow of the Mississippi River. People on the East Coast of the United States felt shaking, and church bells reportedly rang as far away as South Carolina.
The risk of a similar earthquake remains, and many more people occupy the then-sparsely populated New Madrid Seismic Zone. The seismic zone is still active today, averaging more than 200 small earthquakes each year, with some felt by nearby residents, but scientists believe it’s only a matter of time before large earthquakes strike our area again. Because an earthquake on the New Madrid Seismic Zone cannot be predicted, it is crucial to learn about earthquakes and how to protect yourself. Scientists believe it’s only a matter of time before large earthquakes strike our area again.
Arkansas’s most significant earthquake risk exists in 19 eastern and central Arkansas counties. However, that doesn’t mean the rest of the state is earthquake free. Earthquakes can and do happen all over Arkansas, as shown on the Arkansas Geological Survey website.
If you feel an earthquake, the best protective measure is to drop to the ground, cover yourself (especially your head) with something sturdy, and hold on until the ground stops shaking. Visit ShakeOut.org for information on what to do and not do during an earthquake and how to become involved in the world’s largest earthquake drill.
The New Madrid Seismic Zone experiences about 200 small earthquakes a year, The State Emergency Management Agency works with many government and voluntary agencies, businesses, and schools to ensure a coordinated, effective response to the challenges a major earthquake would pose. This website will help you learn more about the history and geology of the New Madrid Seismic Zone and ensure you and your family know what to do before, during, and after an earthquake in Arkansas.
For additional information on how to be prepared for an earthquake, please contact [email protected]
Preparedness: Here’s what you can do!
Preparing and planning is essential for earthquake safety. The New Madrid Seismic Zone experiences about 200 small earthquakes a year, and scientists say it’s only a matter of time before large earthquakes strike our area again. Unlike some other disasters, earthquakes provide no advance warning. The State Emergency Management Division works with many government and voluntary agencies, businesses, and schools to ensure a coordinated, effective response to the challenges a major earthquake would pose.
The following preparedness tips can help you survive an earthquake:
What to do before an earthquake:
- Identify safe spots and danger zones in each room.
- Buy a large garbage can to store bottled drinking water, canned and dried non-perishable food that does not need to be cooked (tuna and crackers, for example), a can opener, flashlights, first aid supplies, battery-powered radio, seasonal clothing, and blankets. It may also become your “go kit” if you need to leave your home.
- Know how to shut off all utilities.
- Be sure your house is firmly anchored to its foundation.
- Anchor overhead lighting fixtures.
- Store bottled foods, glass, china, and other breakable items on low shelves or in cabinets that can fasten shut. Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
- Brace bookshelves and heavy furniture to walls to keep them from toppling.
- Repair defective electrical wiring.
- Install flexible lines to water heaters, gas stoves, and other appliances.
- Securely fasten water heaters and gas appliances to wall studs.
- Buy earthquake insurance.
What to do during an earthquake:
- If indoors – take cover under sturdy furniture or against an inside wall. “Drop, Cover and Hold On” until the shaking stops. This means DROP down to the floor, take COVER and protect your head and neck with your arms, and HOLD ON to the sturdy piece of furniture you are under until the shaking stops.
- If outdoors – stay there. Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
- In a high-rise building – take cover under sturdy furniture away from windows and outside walls. Stay in the building on the same floor. An evacuation may not be necessary. Wait for instructions from safety personnel. Do not use elevators.
- In a vehicle – stop as quickly as safety permits, and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, or utility wires.
Click the checkmark below to find out more about how to prepare for earthquakes from Ready.gov.
