Earthquakes

Though rare in West Virginia, earthquakes do happen. Know what to do. Practice and follow emergency procedures before a disaster strikes.

“Earthquakes are sudden and unpredictable,” said Tony Michael, WVU Extension Program Director for Family & Community Development. “The best way to stay safe is to educate yourself on what to do during an earthquake.”

Be sure to check your home and buildings for damage, and open cabinets cautiously as contents may have shifted.

“Now is the time to come up with an emergency plan for all potential hazards,” he said.

Useful Links

Latest Earthquakes in the USA
Check out a map of the United States to see where earthquakes are happening.

What to Do Before, During and After an Earthquake
Are you prepared for this type of natural disaster? Follow FEMA’s guidelines to identify potential hazards in your home or office. Learn what supplies you should keep on hand.

Earthquake Terms

Emergency Kits

In an emergency, there’s no substitute for being prepared, Ready.Gov has resources to help your family develop an emergency kit and a family plan.

An emergency kit contains food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least three days. It also contains critical information such as copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records.

Its important your family plan in advance what you will do in an emergency. Each situation may require a different response, and family members may not be together. It’s important everyone know how you will communicate and where you will meet. Remember, during an emergency, telephone networks, including cellular, may not be available for sometime.

WVU is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer -- Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran.
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs).
The WVU Board of Governors is the governing body of WVU. The Higher Education Policy Commission in West Virginia is responsible for developing, establishing, and overseeing the implementation of a public policy agenda for the state’s four-year colleges and universities.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to provide this content in alternate formats upon request. Contact the WVU Extension Service Office of Communications at 304-293-4222.