How Big Is Your Earthquake Risk?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Earthquake Risk by State and Territory page lists 24 states and territories that face a very high or a high earthquake risk; 21 others are at a moderate risk.

The United States Geological Survey recorded more than 4,000 earthquakes above magnitude 1.0 in the U.S in 2009. This map below shows earthquake activity over a recent 7-day period.

As you can see, California, Alaska and Puerto Rico are the top 3.  I think Hawaii would normally lead Puerto Rico, but Puerto Rico is spitting distance from the island of Hispaniola, where Haiti is located.

While the majority were below magnitude 4.0, six above magnitude 7.0 have been recorded in this country since 2001.

If you want to read the earthquake history of your state, here’s another good link.  Click on your individual state for a treasure trove of earthquake facts.

How to prepare:  For starters, check out this Natural Disaster Guide from Consumer Reports.

If you live in Canada, check out this page on GetPrepared.ca.

P.S. Haiti just got hit with a 6.1 magnitude aftershock. If you want to give to the relief effort for Haiti, the Red Cross is accepting donations HERE.

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• A Warning from Haiti (01/13/10)
• Weather From Hell (01/15/10)