Tennessee Residents Urged to Prepare for Earthquake Risks During Awareness Month

Tennessee residents are urged to prepare for earthquake risks associated with the New Madrid Seismic Zone and East Tennessee Seismic Zone. TEMA highlights the importance of securing heavy items and considering earthquake insurance. The state faces threats from significant seismic activity, particularly from NMSZ, thus necessitating heightened awareness and preparedness.

In recognition of Earthquake Awareness Month, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) emphasizes the importance of preparedness for residents, particularly those new to the state. Tennessee is situated on two seismic zones—the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ) and the East Tennessee Seismic Zone (ETSZ)—which necessitate vigilance despite earthquake occurrences being infrequent.

The New Madrid Seismic Zone is well-known, extending from Arkansas through Tennessee and along the borders with Missouri and Illinois/Kentucky. In contrast, the East Tennessee Seismic Zone is less recognized, located in the eastern part of Tennessee, spanning from northeastern Alabama into southwest Virginia. While this zone experiences frequent smaller earthquakes, it ranks as one of the most active regions for seismic activity in the eastern United States.

According to a 2018 Hazard Mitigation report by TEMA, earthquakes registering a magnitude of 5.5 or higher pose a potential threat to the state. TEMA encourages residents to take precautionary measures by securing heavy items, reinforcing structural integrity, and acquiring earthquake insurance, particularly for those living within seismic zones.

Earthquake preparedness is crucial in Tennessee due to its location on two significant seismic zones. The New Madrid Seismic Zone affects the western part of the state, whereas the East Tennessee Seismic Zone is more prevalent in the east. The potential for damaging earthquakes, particularly from the NMSZ, calls for community awareness and proactive safety measures to mitigate risks.

In summary, those who reside in Tennessee must recognize the earthquake risks posed by the New Madrid and East Tennessee Seismic Zones. TEMA’s call for preparedness entails securing household items and considering structural improvements, alongside obtaining earthquake insurance for protection against potential seismic events. Such measures can significantly enhance safety and reduce the impact of earthquakes.

Original Source: newschannel9.com