Earthquake Preparedness Essential for Tennessee Residents

Tennessee residents are reminded by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency of the importance of being prepared for earthquakes due to the state being located on two seismic zones: the New Madrid Seismic Zone and the East Tennessee Seismic Zone. While large earthquakes are infrequent, when they do occur, they can result in serious consequences. TEMA advises securing heavy items and considering earthquake insurance.

In Tennessee, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) emphasizes the importance of earthquake preparedness, particularly for residents unfamiliar with the state’s seismic activity. The state lies within two significant seismic zones: the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ) in the west and the East Tennessee Seismic Zone (ETSZ) in the east. Although earthquakes are not frequent, those that do occur can have substantial impacts.

The New Madrid Seismic Zone is the more recognized of the two, extending from Arkansas along the Tennessee-Missouri border to the Illinois and Kentucky lines. In contrast, the ETSZ, less well-known, runs near the eastern edge of Tennessee, extending from northeastern Alabama into eastern Tennessee and southwestern Virginia. This zone is particularly noted for having frequent smaller earthquakes and remains one of the most active in the eastern United States.

According to a 2018 Hazard Mitigation report from TEMA, earthquakes reaching a magnitude of 5.5 or higher pose potential threats to Tennessee. In light of this, TEMA advises residents to secure heavy furniture, such as bookcases and televisions, avoiding the placement of heavy items on high shelves. Additionally, residents are encouraged to address any structural weaknesses in their homes and consider purchasing earthquake insurance, particularly if located within the seismic zones.

Tennessee is notably situated on two primary seismic zones: the New Madrid Seismic Zone and the East Tennessee Seismic Zone. These geological formations increase the likelihood of seismic activity, leading to occasional earthquakes that may not be frequent but are capable of causing significant damage. Educational initiatives, such as those from TEMA during Earthquake Awareness Month, aim to bolster public awareness regarding earthquake preparedness, underscoring the necessity for preventive measures and insurance options.

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency stresses the critical need for residents to prepare for earthquakes as the state is situated in two seismic zones. Ensuring the security of heavy items within homes, assessing structural integrity, and obtaining earthquake insurance are vital measures for safety in the event of seismic activity. TEMA’s reminders serve as an essential public safety protocol for Tennessee’s residents.

Original Source: fox17.com