Chicago, IL – Illinois, often overlooked for seismic activity, actually experiences over 2,000 minor tremors each year, a fact emphasized during Earthquake Awareness Month.Â
This statistic, provided by the Central United States Earthquake Consortium (CUSEC), underscores the state’s vulnerability to earthquakes, particularly due to the New Madrid and Wabash Valley Seismic Zones.
Alicia Tate Nadeau, director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS), urges residents to understand and prepare for these seismic risks. The agency promotes the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On!” protocol for earthquake safety. In light of these frequent tremors, IEMA-OHS also recommends exploring earthquake insurance options.
The importance of preparedness is further highlighted by events like the Great ShakeOut drill, which saw significant participation in the central U.S. in 2023.
Residents can find more information on earthquake preparedness and upcoming safety drills on the IEMA website and its social media channels.
