| Program
Manager:
Ms. Lori King
Earthquake Program Manager
KYEM Area Manager
Kentucky Division of Emergency Management
PO Box 583
Mayfield, Kentucky 42066
Phone: (270) 247-9712
Fax: (270) 247-4072
Email: lori.king@ky.ngb.army.mil
Program Statement:
Now
entering its third decade, Kentucky’s
Earthquake Program continues to better prepare the Commonwealth
of Kentucky for seismic
events through a combination of increased public awareness, coordination
with other state/federal/non-governmental agencies, and support
for higher education programs.
The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) directly
or indirectly supported all preparedness activities of the Kentucky
Earthquake Program. Kentucky is a charter member of the Central
United States Earthquake Consortium (CUSEC).
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History:
Dating back to at least 1811, Kentucky has experienced the effects
of earthquakes. Beginning on December 16, 1811, and continuing
throughout that winter, three earthquakes of magnitude 8 and thousands
of aftershocks rocked the central United States. Centered near
the Missouri town of New Madrid, just across the Mississippi River
from the Purchase Area of Kentucky, these events caused damage
1,000 miles away.
While the chance of another magnitude 8 major earthquake is present,
more likely is a moderate event in the magnitude 6-7 range. This
type of earthquake would be felt by half the population of the
United States and would be felt by all Kentuckians. The U.S. Geological
Survey estimates that the chances of such an event in the next
50 years are 20-40%.
Smaller seismic zones, such as the Wabash Valley, could also affect
parts of Eastern and Central Kentucky as well. Earthquake damage
has been reported in Bath, Bell, Greenup, and Mason Counties in
recent years.
In 1980 a 5.2 magnitude event, centered near the community of
Sharpsburg in Fleming County, was a geological surprise. Over $3
million dollars of damage was reported.
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Current Activities:
A
focal point for the Earthquake Program is the Governor’s
Council on Earthquake Risk Reduction. A successor to the Governor’s
Earthquake Hazards and Safety Technical Advisory Panel (GEHSTEP),
the Council meets regularly to identify ways to make Kentucky more
prepared for seismic activity.
Kentucky’s Earthquake Preparedness Month is held in October
annually. Stop, Drop, and Cover drills are held with participation
from at least 75% of the state’s schools.
The Transportation Cabinet continues an active program of inspecting
and retrofitting bridges and access roads.
Statewide adoption of the ATC 20-1 Building Inspection criteria
is an ongoing project. ATC 20-1 training will continue to be offered
in Kentucky.
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