[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OEM Encourages Preparedness in Light of Earthquake Anniversary

[Press Releases]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Zim Schwartze, Emergency Management Director 
(573) 874-7400 



OEM Encourages Preparedness in Light of Earthquake Anniversary

COLUMBIA, MO (December 22, 2011) - This month marks the 200th anniversary of one of the most infamous natural disasters in Missouri history.  The 1811 earthquake along the New Madrid Fault Line in southeast Missouri was felt throughout a good portion of the United States.  A similar quake at present day would have devastating effects on Missouri and the Midwest.  The Columbia/Boone County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) encourages everyone to use the anniversary as a catalyst to learn more about the 1811 disaster and how to prepare for a future earthquake.  

"The good news is that a major earthquake along the New Madrid fault is not expected to create significant damage in Columbia and Boone County, but it would be unwise to think that we won't be impacted," says OEM Director Zim Schwartze.  "A quake reaching at least seven on the Richter scale could cause some immediate damage here, but more worrisome are the long-term effects.  Demand for essentials such as water, food, emergency supplies and services could drain our resources.  Infrastructure such as highways could be damaged, causing delays in the delivery of those needed items not just in the disaster area, but all over the Midwest.  We encourage everyone to use the anniversary of the New Madrid quake as a reminder to stock up on supplies, assemble a disaster kit, and know what to do should you be caught in an earthquake. A few minutes of preparation can make all the difference, when disaster strikes."

The Office of Emergency Management's website contains links to earthquake information, preparedness and safety tips concerning earthquakes. Those links can be found at gocolumbiamo.com/EM.


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