FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 31, 2020


Missouri Earthquake Awareness Month emphasizes taking action to reduce risks in New Madrid Seismic Zone

SEMA to host earthquake events to bolster preparedness

On February 7, 1812, a massive earthquake centered in southeast Missouri rocked much of the nation. It was the last and the largest of three tremendous earthquakes produced by the New Madrid Seismic Zone from 1811 to 1812.

More than 200 years later, the NMSZ has been one of the most active seismic areas in the U.S. east of the Rocky Mountains, with about 200 small earthquakes each year. It also includes sections of Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee.

To help inform Missourians and promote earthquake preparedness, Missouri observes Earthquake Awareness Month each February, emphasizing the real possibility of another major earthquake in the NMSZ. While no one can predict exactly when an earthquake will occur, scientists agree that a large NMSZ earthquake is a significant risk. 

“In the 19th century, Missouri experienced a progression of intense earthquakes that if they occurred today would create widespread destruction and disrupt the lives of millions of people,” State Emergency Management Agency Acting Director Jim Remillard said. “Earthquake Awareness Month stresses the importance of advance planning and exercises to prepare for such a catastrophic disaster.”

On Thursday, Feb. 20 at 6 p.m., SEMA will host a free, public event in Poplar Bluff to discuss the risks presented by the NMSZ, earthquake response planning and capabilities, and how to strengthen individual and community preparedness. The “Earthquake 101” event will wrap up with a diverse panel of community experts answering questions from the audience. More information can be found on SEMA’s Facebook Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/110650993704543/

SEMA will also host its second annual Missouri Earthquake Summit on Friday, Feb. 21, for professionals to attend sessions focused on the latest geological findings, recent earthquake response in California, health care response, school preparedness, private sector/utilities challenges, and more. Registration is required for this free, professional event. For more information and to register, visit SEMA’s website: https://sema.dps.mo.gov/earthquake_preparedness/summit.php

More than 370 professionals are already registered to attend the conference and include individuals from the fields of public health and medical, emergency management, first responders, local, state and federal governments, schools, utilities, non-governmental organizations, and private business.

 

Earthquake 101

Thursday, Feb. 20 (PUBLIC EVENT)

WHEN:           6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.  

WHERE:        Tinnin Fine Arts Center, Three Rivers College

2080 Three Rivers Blvd.

Poplar Bluff, MO

FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO:

https://www.facebook.com/events/110650993704543/

Earthquake Summit 2020

Friday, Feb. 21 (PROFESSIONAL EVENT)

WHEN:           8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  

WHERE:        Tinnin Fine Arts Center, Three Rivers College

2080 Three Rivers Blvd.

Poplar Bluff, MO

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER, GO TO:

https://sema.dps.mo.gov/earthquake_preparedness/summit.php



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For more information, call 573-751-6294 or e-mail caty.luebbert@sema.dps.mo.gov