Southeast Missouri home to the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ) has produced some ofthe strongest earthquakes ever to rock North America. In 1811-1812, a series of major quakesdestroyed several settlements and dramatically affected the landscape, even briefly causing theMississippi River to run backward. The seismic zone is still active today, averaging more than200 small earthquakes each year.

Thats why as Missouri observes Earthquake Awareness Month in February, it is important toemphasize the realistic likelihood of another catastrophic earthquake occurring in the NMSZ.While no one can predict exactly when an earthquake will occur, scientists agree that largeearthquakes in this zone still pose a significant risk.

In the 19th century, Missouri experienced a sequence of powerful earthquakes that if theyoccurred today would create widespread destruction and disrupt the lives of millions ofpeople, State Emergency Management Agency Director Ron Walkersaid. EarthquakeAwareness Month is an important reminder to prepare and know what to do to protect yourfamily.

Experts advise that when an earthquake occurs in developed nations with modern buildingstandards, such as in the United States, people should, Drop, Cover and Hold On. Drop toyour knees, cover your head and get under a desk or table, and hold on until the shaking stops.

Here are some steps Missourians who live in the New Madrid Seismic Zone should consider:

• Secure hanging items, bookcases and water heaters to wall studs.
• Keep an emergency kit and update the supplies on an annual basis. Include a flashlight,batteries, first-aid kit, necessary medications, a battery- or solar powered-radio, andenough drinking water and food for at least three days. A major earthquake could disruptutilities for weeks.
• Create a family communication plan. Identify someone living at least 100 miles awaythat everyone can contact to “check in” and let your family know they are safe.
• Know how to turn off your gas and water.
• Find out if your house is covered for earthquake damage and, if not, consider obtainingcoverage. Most homeowner earthquake insurance policies must be purchased separately.

Jeremy Gray, Emergency Manager with Southeast Missouri State Universitys Department of PublicSafety (DPS), urges students, faculty, and staff to take time this month to review their emergency plansand assess their living and working space. Since the greatest number of earthquake injuriesare caused by falling objects, taking the time to secure loose items in your office or residencehall room can prevent future injury. In addition to securing bookcases, also consider movingheavier objects from upper shelves to the lower shelves.