Historical June1990 preparedness article. Its earthquake probability, insurance prices and recommendations describe the source period; they are not current forecasts or advice.
Before the next ten years are over, there is a 50% chance of an earthquake in the Midwest that is roughly the size of the one that hit San Francisco in the fall of 1989.
However, for the same size earthquake, the destruction here is expected to be far greater. Reasons for the potential for greater destruction include the following: —The fault is deeper, and because the soil communicates shock waves better, the area of destruction will be much greater. (Large portions of seven states: Missouri, Mississippi, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee). —Buildings and bridges are older and have not been built to withstand earthquakes; much more structural damage will result. —Most people here are uneducated about what to do before, during, and after an earthquake.
Because some people still do not believe it is likely, there will probably be far more deaths and personal injuries. (Imagine an earthquake in winter.) The tall, unreinforced, masonry buildings which we so admire in our own neighborhood are particularly vulnerable to earthquake damage.
The widespread use of natural gas increases the risk of fire fed from broken gas pipes.
The American Red Cross suggests the following to help make our homes safer during an earthquake: —Anchor hanging lamps with closed hooks, or relocate. —Secure top heavy furniture to wall studs with metal braces. —Keep all breakables in low or secure cabinets. —Stabilize water heaters with metal straps to wall studs. —Locate main electrical, gas, and water shut offs. —Maintain a fire extinguisher in an accessible place. —Use flexible gas lines to appliances. —Place secure latches on cupboard doors. —Nail plywood to ceiling joists where falling chimney bricks could break through the roof. —Relocate heavy, unstable objects away from exit routes. —Keep a week’s worth of emergency supplies on hand, including drinking water, canned or dried foods, first aid kit, flashlight, and a portable radio with extra batteries. Homeowners should check their property insurance policy for coverage of earthquake damage. Adding earthquake coverage to your policy could be a wise investment, especially if you own an all brick building. Cost of earthquake coverage varies widely, so shop around.
The annual premium for earthquake coverage on a $100,000 Skinker DeBaliviere home would be about $65. People who do not prepare for the earthquake can be compared to the man who fell out of an airplane and kept his eyes closed: it was very pleasant, no sign of danger, right up until the last second. Prepare now for the earthquake. You will be protecting yourself, your family and friends, and your property. More information, including information on special situations (handling children’s reactions, the elderly, apartment living, building codes, etc.) can be obtained from the Central United States Earthquakes Consortium at 2630 East Holmes Road, Memphis, TN 38118, (800) 824-5817.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, June 1990.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Archival transcription note: 50% earthquake probability and $65 insurance premium are unsourced 1990 period claims, not current forecasts or quotes.; No independent endorsement of technical preparedness advice.
Original source: SD_Times1990_06.pdf, printed page(s) 8; PDF page(s) 7.
