October 20 is international ShakeOut Day.
Every third week in October, millions of people across the globe participate in earthquake preparedness drills.
While the Little Rock District is better known for its place in Tornado Alley, what many don't realize is that the district lives inside the New Madrid seismic zone.
While most of us naturally think of California when we think about earthquakes, the U.S. Geological Survey recognizes that seismic hazards are possible throughout the United States. In fact, the New Madrid seismic zone is the most seismically active zone East of the Rocky Mountains. Since 2014 there have been a significant increase in the number of small and moderate earthquakes throughout northeastern Arkansas, southwestern Kentucky, southeastern Missouri, and northwestern Tennessee.
Would you and your family know what to do if an earthquake struck right now?
A great way to increase awareness of the threat and include a regular earthquake drill as part of your family, business, or community action plans. You can find full earthquake response manuals, infographics, and other useful information at The Great Central ShakeOut page.
For tips on the items you should have in your emergency kit https://www.ready.gov/kit
For more information on the 1811 and 1812 earthquakes https://www.usgs.gov/programs/earthquake-hazards/science/summary-1811-1812-new-madrid-earthquakes-sequence
For more information and to see how you can participate in International ShakeOut Day https://www.shakeout.org/centralus/
For tips on the items you should have in your emergency kit https://www.ready.gov/kit
For more information on the 1811 and 1812 earthquakes https://www.usgs.gov/programs/earthquake-hazards/science/summary-1811-1812-new-madrid-earthquakes-sequence