Earthquakes
Science In Your Backyard: Missouri [sponsored by the USGC]
Click here to learn more about Missouri earthquakes and geology related topics.
Click here to see world and local maps of recent earthquake activity.
To view satellite images of earth, click here.
To view videos for earthguakes
and other disasters (developed for kids), click here.
What to do during an earthquake
If indoors:
Drop to the ground; TAKE COVER by getting under a sturdy table or desk, or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON to the furniture until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building. An inside corner will provide more protection than a wall. Crouching in an interior doorway that is a loadbearing, will offer more protection than standing or sitting unprotected. Stay away from windows, outside doors and walls, fireplaces, woodstoves,and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or heavy furniture or appliances.Stay inside until all shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to move. Remember that gas lines may be ruptured, power lines and electrical connections may be severed, sprinkler systems may be activated and alarms may be sounding. Do NOT use elevators. Remain calm. Think about what and how; you need to do to reach a safe location.
If outdoors:
Get into an open area. Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires (power lines). Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. DO NOT rush into buildings in search of survivors. There may be after shocks which can cause partially collapsed structures to completely fall. Many of the fatalities which occur from earthquakes, occur when people ran into buildings searching for survivors, or ran outside of buildings only to be killed by falling debris from collapsing walls resulting from aftershocks. Stay where you are until you are certain that the shaking has stopped. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.If driving:
Stop as quickly as possible (safety permitting) and remain inside your vehicle. Do NOT attempt to continue driving during the earthquake. You will not have control of your vehicle Stay away from bridges, overpasses, tunnels, light posts, large signs, trees and utility wires (power lines).Once the shaking has stopped, proceed with caution and avoid bridges or ramps that may have been damaged during the earthquake.
If you are trapped:
If you are trapped under debris, do not move about or kick up dust. The dust may contain hazardous materials which you do not want to inhale. Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing. Do not light a match. There may be a natural gas leak or the presence of explosive gases (vapors). Tap on a pipe, a metal surface or wall so you may be heard by rescuers. Shout only as a last resort. Hazardous dust may be injested when you shout.
What to do after an earthquake
Listen:
Listen to a battery-operated radio, emergency broadcast radio or television for the latest emergency infromation. Emergency broadcasts will inform you of available medical, fire and emergency services.Communicate:
If telephone and/or cellular telephone service is available, make emergency calls only. Remember, emergency response personnel will need clear lines of communication and people will need to call hospitals and 911.Caution:
Stay away from damaged areas. Do not approach unless your assistance is requested by police or fire and rescue, relief organizations or emergency response teams.If you smell gasoline or natural gas odors, leave the area immediately. If you see the presence of flammable liquids, leave the area immediately. Be aware of downed power lines.
Go into buildings only when it is safe. Be aware of falling debris.
Assistance:
Help people who are injured or trapped. Do Not forget your neighbors who may have special needs which require special assistance such as the elderly, the very young (infants), and those with disabilities. If you are in a business setting, check on your co-workers.Give first aid where appropriate. Do Not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help when necessary.
Damaged Homes:
Check for natural gas leaks. If you smell gas, hear a blowing or hissing sound, open a window or door and leave the building as soon as possible. If you know where the outside main valve is for your gas supply, turn off the gas. Call the gas company from a neighbor's house or from your cellular phone and inform them of the leak. DO NOT attempt to turn the gas back on yourself. Leave that to the professionals. There may be more damage to the lines or appliances than you are aware of.Look for cut electrical lines and connections for damage. Sparks, electrical arks, broken or frayed electrical lines or the smell of hot insulation indicates electrical damage. Turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or at the circuit breaker. Remember that water and electricity do not mix. Avoid stepping into any water that has electrical lines in contact with the water. Call your electrical company to inform them of the electrical outage or problem.
Check for sewage line damage. Avoid using toilets if you can see or suspect that sewage lines are damaged. Call your sewage system provider to report the damage.
Check the water lines for damage. If water pipes are damaged or leaking, contact your water company to report the damage. If water lines have been ruptured or are leaking, avoid drinking the water as it may be contaminated. Call your water company to inform them of the damage.
If your home has a chimney, inspect the chimney's entire length for damage. A break in the interior/exterior construction of the chimney could result in a fire if used. Check the chimney for stability to determine if it is structurally sound. Remember, falling debris can kill.
Earthquake Facts about the New Madrid Seismic Zone
Click the MO DNR logo above to view information about the
New Madrid Fault Zone
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