| More than 20 aftershocks hit area after last week’s earthquake | By: By Sabrina Bates, Chief Staff Writer
| | Weakley County residents reported feeling the earth move last Friday morning after a 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck Southern Illinois. From as far east as North Carolina to as far south as Georgia, reports of people feeling the vibrations from the Wabash fault earthquake have streamed into the USGS center. Since Friday, 23 aftershocks have plagued Southern Illinois.
Since the 5.2 earthquake trembled on Friday morning, two reports of smaller-magnitude earthquakes have been reported along the New Madrid fault line with the most recent earthquake noted at 2:21 a.m. on Wednesday.
According to the USGS, a 2.0 magnitude earthquake was documented eight miles south of Tiptonville early Wednesday morning. A similar report came in Tuesday at 6:24 p.m. when a 2.4 magnitude earthquake struck in Southeastern Missouri five miles east-northeast of Steele, Mo.
In light of recent seismic activity, the USGS is urging families to prepare in the event of a larger-magnitude earthquake.
The University of Memphis Center for Earthquake Research and Information is distributing information on how to survive and earthquake with tips on what to do before, during and after the seismic event as well on how to be prepared.
The research facilty include:
• Have an earthquake survival kit on hand.
• All family members should know how to turn off gas, water, and electricity.
• Plan family emergency procedures, and make plans for reuniting your family.
• Know emergency telephone numbers (doctor, hospital, police, 911, etc)
• Anchor heavy objects to walls (bookcases, wall units, mirrors, cabinets, etc.)
• Never place heavy objects over beds, and keep heavy objects lower than head height of shortest member of family.
Being Calm is crucial
• Inside, stand in doorway, or crouch under a desk or table, well away from windows or glass dividers.
• Outside, stand away from buildings, trees, telephones and electrical lines.
• On the road, drive away from underpasses and overpasses; stop in safe area; stay in vehicle.
After and Earthquake
• Check for injuries-provide first aid.
• Check for safety-check for gas, water, sewage breaks; check for downed power lines and shorts; turn off appropriate utilities.
• Check for building damage and potential problems during aftershocks.
• Clean up dangerous spills.
• Wear shoes
• Turn on the radio and listen for instructions from public safety agencies.
• Use telephone for emergencies, only.
Earthquake Survival Kits
Survival Supplies:
• Water- 2 quarts to 1 gallon per person, per day.
• First Aid Kit-ample, and freshly stocked.
• First Aid Manual-know how to use it.
• Food-canned or individually packaged;precooked, requiring minimum heat and water. Consider infants, pets, and other special dietary requirements.
• Critical medication, extra eyeglasses
• Can opener
• Blankets
• Radio-portable battery operated, spare batteries
• Critical medication and eyeglasses, contact cases and supplies
• Fire Extinguisher-dry chemical, type ABC
• Flashlight-spare batteries and bulbs
• Watch or clock-battery or spring wound.
Cooking Supplies
•Barbeque-use outdoors ONLY-charcoal and lighter, or Sterno stove
• Plastic bags-various sizes, sealable
• Pots-at least two
•Paper plates, plastic utensils, and paper towels SANITATION
• Large plastic trash bags-for trash, waste, water protection
• Ground cloth
• Large trash cans
• Hand soap, liquid detergent, shampoo
• Toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss
• Deodorant
• Feminine supplies
• Infant supplies
• Toilet paper
• Powdered chlorinated lime-to add to sewage to disinfect and keep away insects.
• Newspapers-to wrap waste, garbage; may also be used for warmth.
Safety
• Heavy shoes for every family member
• Heavy gloves for every person cleaning debris
• Candles
• Matches-dipped in wax and kept in waterproof container
• Knife-sharp, or razor blades
• Garden hose-for siphoning and fire fighting
• Clothes-complete change kept dry
Tools
• Axe
• Shovel
• Broom
• Crescent wrench-for turning off gas main
• Screwdrivers
• Pliers
• Hammer
• Rope or bailing wire
• Plastic tape
• Pen and paper
Mini Survival Kit for Automobile
• Non-perishable food-store in coffee cans
• Boiled water
• First aid kit and manual
• Fire extinguisher
• Blanket
• Sealable plastic bags
• Flashlight-spare fresh batteries and bulb
• Critical medication, extra eyeglasses
• Tools-screwdriver, pliers, wire, knife
• Short rubber hose
• Pre-moistened towelettes
• Feminine supplies
• Sturdy shoes and gloves
Your emergency supplies should be adequate for at least 72 hours (3 days). A 10-day supply of water, food, and medicine is recommended. | | | | |
