You might live in an area where earthquakes are rare, but chances are never 100 percent that one won't occur where you live.
In the Midwest, seismologists say there is a 40 to 60 percent chance an earthquake of 6.0 magnitude will strike during the 2000s. That chance rises to 90 percent by 2040.
Take these steps to protect yourself. Even if an earthquake never occurs, these are safe steps to take:
1. Fasten shelves securely to walls.
2. Place heavy objects on the lower shelves.
3. Store breakable items, such as bottled foods, glass and china, in low closed cabinets with latches.
4. Move heavy pictures and mirrors away from beds and places where people normally sit.
5. Brace overhead light fixtures.
6. Repair electrical wiring and gas connections that are fire risks.
7. Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and floor.
8. Store flammables in closed cabinets with latches and on low shelves.
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader’s money, real estate, and business coverage.
