Ready For an Earthquake in Missouri?

February is Earthquake Awareness month. Did you know that Missouri is the third largest earthquake insurance market in the U.S., following California and Washington?

Experts estimate the chance of a major earthquake of a magnitude 7.5 or greater in southern Missouri in the New Madrid zone over the next 50 years is 7-10 percent. The probability of an earthquake exceeding magnitude 6 over the same period is 25-40 percent.

According to a story from the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance:

A joint assessment by the Mid-America Earthquake Center of the University of Illinois and the Federal Emergency Management Agency predict a New Madrid event could constitute the highest total economic loss of any natural disaster in U.S. history.

The news release goes on to say, "It’s important that we do all we can to make sure Missouri homeowners know about their options and have time to prepare."

For more information and Resources to assist consumers as they make their readiness and recovery plans can be found at centralusquake.org.