PLANNING KEY TO QUAKE SURVIVAL; THIS IS QUAKE AWARENESS WEEK

Cape Girardeau County, Cape Girardeau, Jackson, rural fire departments, local hospitals and many organizations have made strides toward being prepared for an earthquake.

But David Hitt, director of Cape Girardeau County Emergency Management Agency, said the real key is for individuals to be prepared.

This is Earthquake Awareness Week.

"Individual citizens need to have their own plans," Hitt said.

Experts say in the event of a major earthquake help will take 72 hours to arrive. "If it's a major earthquake and bridges are damaged, I think 72 hours is very optimistic," Hitt said. "I think we would be looking at a lot longer."

Individuals need to be ready to fend for themselves.

In 1990, after a quake of 4.6 on the Richter scale shook Southeast Missouri -- and the late Iben Browning predicted that a big earthquake would occur along the New Madrid Fault -- many people prepared. They set aside emergency supplies, water, food and blankets. But since, those preparations in many cases have been forgotten, said Hitt.

"An earthquake could still happen at any time," Hitt said.

"Cape Girardeau County citizens have become very adept at preparing for and reacting to flooding," said Hitt. But floods are slow-moving events and give everyone downstream time to prepare. An earthquake gives no warning; it simply happens."

Interest in preparedness has increased over the past year, largely because of Cape Girardeau County Presiding Commissioner Gerald Jones, Hitt said. Under his leadership, local governments, agencies and organizations are meeting to develop plans for an emergency.

"But the thing we really need to have is individuals prepared," Hitt said.

Jerry B. Uhlmann, director of the Missouri Emergency Management Agency, said: "It was demonstrated repeatedly in Northridge, Calif., and Kobe, Japan, those citizens who had taken basic first-aid training through the American Red Cross, or had taken community emergency response team training through their local responders, and who set aside emergency food, water and supplies, were better able to handle the post-earthquake situation."

Among activities planned this week are two locally produced children's television programs. The Center for Earthquake Studies at Southeast Missouri State University and KBSI-TV Fox Channel 23 have produced the two programs using a "Bill Nye the Science Guy" approach. The first program, "Earthquakes in General and the Science Behind Them," airs at 11:30 a.m. Saturday; the second, "Preparedness," airs at 9:30 a.m. Sunday. Viewers will learn what they need to put in their personal survival backpack.

The Center for Earthquake Studies also has a mobile earthquake exhibit on display this week at Kent Library on campus.

Anne Elledge, public education specialist for the center, will give a series of hands-on earthquake presentations to local schoolchildren through mid-February.

The Bootheel Youth Museum in Malden features interactive exhibits with seismographs, plate tectonics, shaking tables and other hands-on exhibits.

Missouri's Bootheel experienced an earthquake estimated at 8.6 on the Richter scale Dec. 16, 1811; on Jan. 23, 1912, a quake with an estimated magnitude of 8.4 occurred; on Feb. 7, 1812, a quake estimated at 8.8 occurred; and on Oct. 31, 1895, one estimated at 6.7 occurred.

An earthquake of 8 on the scale is capable of causing tremendous damage.

EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS

Every year, approximately 18 earthquakes occur worldwide that measure 7.0 or larger on the Richter scale. Here are some survival tips:

To prepare for an earthquake...

*Buy a 20-gallon garbage can and fill it with emergency supplies including drinking water, canned food, a fire extinguisher, batteries, a flashlight, a battery-operated radio, seasonal clothing, blankets and basic first-aid supplies.

*Store chemicals, flammable liquids and poisons in a secure place where they can't fall.

*Learn how to shut off the gas, electricity and water in your home.

*Retrofit your home to make it more resistant to earthquake damage. This includes bolting your home to the foundation, bracing walls, reinforcing chimneys and strapping the water heater to wall studs.

*Post information on earthquake awareness. Posters featuring background information, safety tips and other earthquake-related internet sites can be downloaded at www.eas.slu.edu/Earthquake Center/

During an earthquake...

*If you are driving, stop and remain inside your car until the shaking stops. Make sure you are away from overpasses, buildings and power lines.

*If you are outside, stay in an open area away from trees, power lines or buildings.

*If you are inside, crawl under a heavy peace of furniture or stand in a door frame.

After an earthquake...

*Check water, gas and electric lines for damage. If you smell gas, open the windows and doors and leave your home immediately.

*Do not use any type of flame.

*Expect aftershocks.