Experts Urge Midwestern States to Better Prepare for Threat of Earthquake

Earthquake and insurance experts nationwide urge builders and insurance regulators to prepare for the potential catastrophic damage that would follow a major earthquake along the New Madrid fault, which threatens the Midsouth and Midwest and has caused quakes equal in power to those produced by the San Andreas fault. Scientists predict the probability of the New Madrid causing a 6.0 earthquake or greater is significant in the near future and say that the areas it covers are just as at risk to a major catastrophe as Florida and the Northeast are to hurricanes and the Pacific Coast is to earthquakes.

Between 1811 and 1812, four catastrophic earthquakes struck the central United States during a three-month period and were felt by an area of more than one million square miles. An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7, similar to one that occurred in December 1811, is estimated to result in more than $60 billion in insured losses today.

Experts suggest that the areas surrounding the New Madrid are grossly unprepared for the potential of another major quake. Unlike areas around the San Andreas, structures, building codes and insurance regulations in the Midwest do not provide sufficient protection from earthquake damage. In fact, seismic experts are much more concerned about major quakes in the Midwest than in California, for the simple fact that the Midwest is infinitely less prepared.

In an effort to brace the Midwest for this potential threat, the Institute for Business and Home Safety suggests implementing new building codes that address the area’s unique geography, educating home and business owners of the threat of future quakes, and helping them prepare financially for the damage of these disasters.

Make sure you ask your agent about this potential threat and ask them if you are covered in the event of an earthquake.

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