Illinois Officials Push Earthquake Preparedness Throughout February

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and local emergency management agencies are taking the month of February to promote earthquake preparedness.

Now, you might be asking yourself, "Is this really necessary?" The Rockford area has experienced a couple of quakes in the past decade, but nowhere near strong enough to do any damage. The Chicago Tribune reports that we probably don't have much to worry about:

Seth Stein, a professor of geological sciences at Northwestern University, has written a book about the New Madrid zone disputing much of the talked-about widespread damage of the 19th century earthquakes that hit Illinois.

In northern Illinois "the hazard is so small" for earthquakes that taking measures like strapping in large furniture is probably unnecessary, Stein said. "If you were going to spend a dollar on a restraining strap, I'd buy a lottery ticket."

On the other hand, our friends in southern Illinois might want to take some precautions. Officials say people need to remember to “Drop, Cover and Hold On” when they feel the ground shaking.

They also recommend several steps people can take to help prevent injuries and property damage at home, including:

• Strapping water heaters and large appliances to wall studs
• Anchoring overhead light fixtures
• Fastening shelves to wall studs and securing cabinet doors with latches
• Learning how to shut off gas, water and electricity in case the lines are damaged