Kentucky is known for bluegrass, horses, its vast natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Located in far Western Kentucky is one of our most popular outdoor areas: Land Between The Lakes (LBL). But, also located beneath much of western Kentucky is the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ).
The NMSZ is the most active seismic area in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. The NMSZ is located in southeastern Missouri, northeastern Arkansas, western Tennessee, western Kentucky and southern Illinois. Southwestern Indiana and northwestern Mississippi are also close enough to receive significant shaking from large earthquakes occurring in the NMSZ.
The NMSZ is not the only seismic zone that impacts Kentucky. The Wabash Valley Seismic Zone is located in Southeastern Illinois and Southwestern Indiana and it is capable of producing 'New Madrid' size earthquake events.
Most of us know about the risks that earthquakes pose here in the U.S. and around the world, and many have heard of the NMSZ, but the truth is, earthquakes can happen anytime, anywhere throughout Kentucky and the nearby region. Recent earthquake activity map provided by the Center for Earthquake Research and Information (CERI).
It is critical that our citizens, communities and schools are prepared for natural disasters. A catastrophic earthquake in the New Madrid Zone would impact not only Kentucky, but several surrounding states, as well. The overall impact could make previous disasters pale in comparison. The Kentucky Earthquake Program and this website is dedicated to inform, educate and prepare Kentuckians for an earthquake.
How To Help Survive an Earthquake! DROP - COVER - HOLD ON!
Video by Ready.gov - May 11, 2015
Thirty second Public Service Announcement regarding earthquake safety brought to you by The Ready Campaign and The Ad Council.
Join KYEM Director, Michael Dossett, and others as they discuss the New Madrid Earthquake Zone on the cn/2 Network documentary, The Great Midwest Earthquake: Past, Present, Future.