It was just over 200 years ago that parts of Illinois and other states felt the effects of some of the largest earthquakes ever recorded in North America, as their magnitude was around 8.0. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is promoting earthquake preparedness all this month. Patti Thompson, Communications Manager for IEMA, told Regional Radio News they are keeping an eye on the New Madrid and Wabash Valley seismic zones in southern Illinois as they have the potential for a major earthquake to occur.

Most casualties result from falling objects and debris caused by the earth shaking. Thompson says they remind residents to “Drop, Cover and Hold On” which can help people prevent injury during an earthquake.

Items that are strapped and learning how to shut off gas, water, and electricity are just a few of the many tips that IEMA offers. More information about earthquake preparedness is available by going to Ready.Illinois.gov, or Facebook and Twitter as earthquake safety tips will be posted during the month.