Alabama Earthquake Prompts FEMA Readiness Reminder 

Release Date: April 30, 2003
Release Number: HQ-03-102

Washington, D.C. -- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials today urged people throughout the country to be mindful of the risk of earthquakes such as the one that struck northeastern Alabama yesterday morning.

A small quake estimated by the U.S. Geological Survey at magnitude 4.9 occurred at approximately 5:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, April 29, centered 15 miles ENE of Fort Payne, Ala., approximately 37 miles southwest of Chattanooga, Tenn. Local authorities reported no injuries and very limited damage, such as cracked foundations and bricks fallen from chimneys. Power outages were reported, and some schools were closed as a precaution.

Michael D. Brown, under secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, said, "This relatively light earthquake reminds us that earthquakes can and do occur in areas other than the West. They are a hazard nationwide."

Yesterday's quake was within the Eastern Tennessee seismic zone, which extends from southwestern Virginia to northeastern Alabama. Although this zone has experienced no large earthquakes in historic times, small, non-damaging shocks are felt approximately once a year and it is considered to be the second most active in the U.S.

Anthony S. Lowe, director of FEMA's Mitigation Division, manages a number of disaster mitigation programs, including the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program.

"The adoption and enforcement of state-of-the-art building codes is key to reducing damage from future earthquakes---which unfortunately could easily be much more serious than yesterday's quake in Alabama," Lowe said. "It's especially important for schools, hospitals and other critical facilities to be strengthened to withstand shaking."

Lowe urged individuals and families to take advantage of the earthquake preparedness tips posted on FEMA's website at www.fema.gov/hazards/earthquakes. They include steps to reduce hazards in homes or offices with precautions such as bolting bookcases and other tall furniture to wall studs, installing strong latches on cupboards and strapping water heaters to wall studs to prevent them from toppling and possibly starting fires.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 30-Apr-2003 11:25:11