Tennesseans Urged to Prepare for Earthquake Risks Amid Seismic Zones

TEMA urges Tennessee residents to prepare for potential earthquakes, highlighting the presence of the New Madrid Seismic Zone and East Tennessee Seismic Zone. While earthquakes are rare, their potential consequences necessitate readiness. Residents are encouraged to secure belongings and consider earthquake insurance to mitigate risks.

Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) is alerting residents about the importance of earthquake preparedness, especially for those who are new to the state. Tennessee lies within two seismic zones: the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ) in the west and the East Tennessee Seismic Zone (ETSZ) in the east, emphasizing the need for vigilance despite the infrequency of earthquakes.

The New Madrid Seismic Zone is well-known and stretches from Arkansas along the boundaries of Tennessee and Missouri, reaching into Illinois and Kentucky. Conversely, the East Tennessee Seismic Zone, which is less recognized, runs near the eastern border of Tennessee, extending into northeastern Alabama and southwest Virginia. Although smaller tremors occur more regularly in the ETSZ, it remains one of the most active seismic regions in the eastern United States. The potential for damaging earthquakes, particularly those measuring 5.5 or greater, underscores the necessity for preparedness, as noted in a 2018 Hazard Mitigation report by TEMA.

To ensure safety, TEMA advises homeowners to take precautionary measures, such as securing heavy furniture and electronic devices, arranging for heavier items to occupy lower shelves, and addressing any structural vulnerabilities in their homes. Additionally, obtaining earthquake insurance is advisable, particularly for those residing within the seismic zones.

Original Source: fox17.com