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Prepared in cooperation with the Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium (CUSEC), the Association of CUSEC State Geologists (Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee), the University of Memphis Center for Earthquake Research and Information (CERI), and the Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC)

Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country—Your Handbook for Earthquakes in the Central United States

U.S. Geological Survey contributors: Richard Dart, Jill McCarthy, Natasha McCallister, and Robert A. Williams

This handbook provides information to residents of the Central United States about the threat of earthquakes in that area, particularly along the New Madrid seismic zone, and explains how to prepare for, survive, and recover from such events. It explains the need for concern about earthquakes for those residents and describes what one can expect during and after an earthquake. Much is known about the threat of earthquakes in the Central United States, including where they are likely to occur and what can be done to reduce losses from future earthquakes, but not enough has been done to prepare for future earthquakes. The handbook describes such preparations that can be taken by individual residents before an earthquake to be safe and protect property.

Revised April 26, 2011 First posted January 21, 2011 GIP 119 PDF (112 MB) GIP 119 (Screen Version) PDF (24.8 MB) For additional information contact: USGS Geologic Hazards Science Center Box 25046, MS-966 Denver, CO 80225 http://geohazards.cr.usgs.gov/ This report is presented in Portable Document Format (PDF); the latest version of Adobe Reader or similar software is required to view it. Download the latest version of Adobe Reader, free of charge.

Suggested citation:

U.S. Geological Survey, 2011, Putting down roots in earthquake country—Your handbook for earthquakes in the Central United States: U.S. Geological Survey General Information Product 119, 47 p.

Contents

Introduction

Why Should I Care?—The Central United States Is Your Home

Why Should I Prepare?—Big Quakes Will Affect You

What Should I Do?—Follow the Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety

What Else Should I Know?—Online Resources

References

Glossary

Online Resources