The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Oklahoma Geological Survey have issued a rare Earthquake Warning for a potential magnitude 5 or above quake for the state of Oklahoma. How rare? This is the first earthquake warning ever for a location east of the Rocky Mountains.
183 earthquakes of magnitude 3 or higher were reported in Oklahoma between October of 2013 and mid-April 0f 2014. Up to 2008, the long term average was just 2 a year.
The surveys say that past experience has shown that clusters of smaller earthquakes often precede a quake of magnitude 5 or stronger. Oklahoma experienced a damaging 5.6 magnitude earthquake in 2011. 14 homes were destroyed and two people were injured.
Scientists are studying a possible correlation between the increasing use of deep injection wastewater wells used in connection with hydraulic fracturing in the oil and gas industry and the increase in the frequency of earthquakes in Oklahoma and elsewhere.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has a very good earthquake preparedness website .
In addition the USGS has preparedness tips.
A consortium of organizations from earthquake prone California has a seven step preparedness guide.
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency has a downloadable game that can help families learn about earthquakes together.
Earthquakes can and do occur in every one of the 50 states so the current situation in Oklahoma provides an opportunity to review our personal, family, institutional and business plans.
