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 To this day, residents continue to experience
significantly powerful aftershocks. The event served as a stark
reminder that earthquakes can happen anywhere in the world and at
any time of day. In fact, records indicate Illinois and several
other states in the central United States were rocked by some of the
largest earthquakes ever measured in North America.
Illinois is flanked on its western and eastern borders by two active
seismic zones: the New Madrid Seismic Zone and the Wabash Valley
Seismic Zone. An earthquake similar to what was recently experienced
in Alaska could have devastating effects on our state. “Creating an
environment of education, awareness and preparedness will save lives
in Illinois,” said Alicia Tate-Nadeau, Acting Director of the
Illinois Emergency Management Agency. “While we cannot predict when
the next major quake will occur, we can help people learn how to
protect themselves and reduce damage to their homes.”
Learning how to “Drop, Cover and Hold On” can help people prevent
injury during an earthquake. The phrase reminds people to drop down
to the floor, take cover under a sturdy desk, table or other
furniture, and hold on to that object and be prepared to move with
it until the shaking ends. Most casualties result from falling
objects and debris caused by the earth shaking. [to top of second
column] |
There are several steps people can take to help
prevent injuries and property damage at home, including:
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Strapping water heaters and large appliances to
wall studs
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Anchoring overhead light fixtures
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Fastening shelves to wall studs and securing
cabinet doors with latches
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Strapping TVs, computers and other heavy
equipment to prevent tipping
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Learning how to shut off gas, water and
electricity in case the lines are damaged
Each year the Illinois Emergency Management Agency
leads an initiative to register homes, businesses, schools and
organizations in the world’s largest earthquake drill. This year’s
earthquake drill will take place on Thursday, October 17 at 10:17
a.m. It’s never too early to register your participation in this
potentially life-saving event. Register today at www.shakeout.org.
Learn more about how you can prepare your home, business and family
for an earthquake at
www.Ready.Illinois.gov.
[Illinois Emergency Management
Agency] |
