Recent Earthquakes Causing Concern locally
The Time to Prepare for an Earthquake is Now

May 23, 2008
St. Charles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seismic activity in and around our region is nothing new. Hundreds of earthquakes happen every year in Missouri. However, until the recent quakes in Mount Carmel, Illinois and in our own backyard in Fenton, Missouri, few people took notice.

This month’s magnitude 7.9 earthquake in China that killed tens of thousands of people is yet another reminder for all citizens to begin thinking, planning, and preparing for what they would do if an earthquake or another disaster were to hit our area.

There is no doubt about the potential for severe earthquakes in Missouri. Most of the state’s earthquake activity is concentrated in southeastern Missouri, within the New Madrid Seismic Zone.

Most people have heard of the New Madrid Fault. On December 16, 1811, shortly after 2:00 a.m., the first tremor of the most violent series of earthquakes in United States history struck southeast Missouri. In the small town of New Madrid, about 180 miles south of St. Louis, residents were awakened from their sleep by the rocking of their cabins, the cracking of timbers, the clatter of breaking dishes and tumbling furniture, the rattling of falling chimneys, and the crashing of falling trees.

A terrifying roaring noise was created as the seismic waves swept across the ground. Large fissures suddenly opened and swallowed large quantities of river and marsh water. As the fissures closed again, great volumes of mud and sand were expelled along with the water.

The earthquake generated great waves on the Mississippi River that overwhelmed many boats and washed others high upon the shore. The waves broke off thousands of trees and carried them into the river.

High river banks caved in, sand bars gave way, and entire islands disappeared. The violence of the earthquake was manifested by great topographic changes that affected an area of 48,000 to 81,000 square miles.

On January 23, 1812, a second major shock occurred, seemingly more violent than the first. A third great earthquake, perhaps the most severe of the series, struck on February 7, 1812. On that day, at approximately 4:45 a.m., a 7.9 magnitude earthquake centered near New Madrid, Missouri caused many houses to be severely damaged, toppling chimneys, and causing ground warping.

Ejections, fissuring, severe landslides, and caving of stream banks occurred in the St. Louis area. Keep in mind that this New Madrid quake is of the same magnitude as the one that happened on May 12, 2008 in China.

The main shocks from the New Madrid quake were felt over an area covering at least two million square miles. Chimneys were knocked down in Cincinnati, Ohio, and bricks were reported to have fallen from chimneys in Georgia and South Carolina. The first shock was felt distinctly in Washington, D.C., 700 miles away, and people there were frightened badly.

Other points that reported feeling this earthquake included New Orleans, 500 miles away; Detroit, 600 miles away; and Boston, 1,100 miles away. Aftershocks continued to be felt for several years after the initial tremor.

When an earthquake happens, keep calm. Do not run or panic. If you take the proper precautions, the chances are that you might not be hurt.
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STAY WHERE YOU ARE. If you are outdoors, stay outdoors; if indoors, stay indoors. In earthquakes, most injuries occur as people are entering or leaving buildings (from falling walls, electric wires, etc.).
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If you are indoors, sit or stand against an inside wall, or in an inside doorway; or, take cover under a desk, table or bench (in case the wall or ceiling should fall). Stay away from windows and outside doors.
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If you are outdoors, stay away from overhead electric wires, poles or anything else that might shake loose and fall (such as the cornices of tall buildings).
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If you are driving an automobile, pull off the road and stop (as soon as possible, and with caution). Remain in the car until the disturbance subsides. When you drive on, watch for hazards created by the earthquake, such as fallen or falling objects, downed electric wires, and broken or undermined roadways.

After an earthquake, avoid using the telephone unless there is an immediate and life-threatening emergency. According to the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (www.sema.dps.mo.gov), the following steps should also be followed:
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Check for gas & water leaks, broken electrical wiring or sewage lines. If there is damage, turn the utility off at the source and immediately report gas leaks to utility company. Check for downed power lines; warn others to stay away.
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Check your home or building for cracks and damage, including the roof, chimneys and foundation.
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Turn on your portable radio for instructions and news reports.
For your own safety, cooperate fully with public safety officials and follow instructions.
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Do not use your vehicle unless there is an emergency. Keep the streets clear for emergency vehicles.
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Be prepared for possible severe aftershocks.
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Stay calm and lend a hand to others.
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If you evacuate, leave a message at your home and with an out-of-state contact, telling family members and others where you can be reached.

Several citizens programs have been created to help communities learn how to prepare for emergencies, such as CERT (Community Emergency Response Team), and the Red Cross. Additional preparedness information can also be found by visiting www.ready.gov or www.redcross.org/services/disaster.

For the training nearest you, or for more information on preparing for all types of emergencies, please contact the St. Charles County Citizen Corps Council, your local police, fire department or American Red Cross office.

Copyright 2008 Neighbors About Town

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