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Earthquake

Though rare in West Virginia, earthquakes do happen. Know what to do. Practice and follow emergency procedures before a disaster strikes.

“Earthquakes are sudden and unpredictable,” Steve Bonanno, interim director for WVU Extension Service said. “The best way to stay safe is to educate yourself on what to do during an earthquake.”

Be sure to check your home and buildings for damage, and open cabinets cautiously as contents may have shifted.

“Now is the time to come up with an emergency plan for all potential hazards,” he said.

Here are some useful links:

Latest Earthquakes in the USA
Check out a map of the United States to see where earthquakes are happening.

What to Do Before an Earthquake
Are you prepared for this type of natural disaster? Follow FEMA’s guidelines to identify potential hazards in your home or office. Learn what supplies you should keep on hand.

What to Do During an Earthquake
Do you know how to protect yourself while indoors or outside? FEMA will help explain how you can stay safe during an earthquake.

What to Do After an Earthquake
Learn about aftershocks and what steps to take to avoid additional hazards.

Earthquake Terms

Emergency Kits

In an emergency, there’s no substitute for being prepared, Ready.Gov has resources to help your family develop an emergency kit and a family plan.

An emergency kit contains food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least three days. It also contains critical information such as copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records.

Its important your family plan in advance what you will do in an emergency. Each situation may require a different response, and family members may not be together. It’s important everyone know how you will communicate and where you will meet. Remember, during an emergency, telephone networks, including cellular, may not be available for sometime.