Small Arkansas Earthquakes Could Be A Warning

By JON GAMBRELL

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — A series of small earthquakes that rattled central Arkansas in recent weeks could be a sign of something much bigger to come.

By this weekend, seismologists hope to install three measurement devices to gather data about future temblors in the area. That information could show whether the rumbles come from heat-related geological changes or from an undiscovered fault — which could mean a risk of substantial earthquakes in the future.

"The potential for generating a high-magnitude earthquake is real," said Haydar Al-Shukri, director of the Arkansas Earthquake Center at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Five earthquakes ranging in magnitude from 2.2 to 2.7 have hit central Arkansas this month. Quakes with a magnitude of 2.5 to 3 are typically the smallest felt by people.

While hundreds of earthquakes occur each year, including several in Arkansas, the location of the recent ones give Al-Shukri pause. Arkansas quakes generally occur in the state's northeast corner, part of the New Madrid Seismic Zone, where three temblors with magnitudes of around 8 struck during the winter of 1812 and smaller ones continue today.

But central Arkansas does not have any seismic history, Al-Shukri said.

"It is abnormal. It is significant," he said. "We need to carefully watch this activity."

The area does not have any permanent seismograph, so researchers asked the University of Memphis in Tennessee if they could use its portable equipment. The nearest seismographs aren't close enough to provide the detailed readings scientists need to determine what could be causing the tremors or properly locate their origin, said Scott Ausbrooks, the geohazard supervisor for the Arkansas Geological Survey.

"I don't know if you've looked at a map of where these events are located, but they've got a scatter on them," he said. "We're thinking this is probably the inherited error built in when you try to locate events of this small a magnitude from that far away."

Ausbrooks said officials would install the three seismographs around Magnet Cove, a Hot Spring County community near where a magnitude-2.7 earthquake hit on Nov. 1. Residents told police dispatchers they heard what sounded like an explosion.

One possible culprit could be a hydrothermal quake, caused by extremely hot fluid pushing into rocks under the surface. The hot fluid percolates into the cracks of the rocks and causes movement, Al-Shukri said.

That theory matches the geologic history of the area. Central Arkansas is home to Hot Springs, a city that grew up around its namesake spas. The springs have 143-degree waters rushing to the surface continuously.

If that's the case, the earthquakes likely wouldn't pose a drastic danger to the area, Al-Shukri said. At their strongest, such quakes reach only a magnitude of 5, the U.S. Geological Survey's threshold for "moderate."

However, if the earthquakes are caused by a previously unknown fault, that could mean a much more powerful temblor in the future. A recently discovered fault in eastern Arkansas near Marianna caused an earthquake with a magnitude of between 7.2 and 7.5 in the past 5,000 years, Al-Shukri said. That could cause widespread, heavy damage.

"Now, it's not active, but in geologist time, that's yesterday," he said.

Ausbrooks wouldn't speculate on what could be causing the earthquakes, saying he wanted to see what data the seismographs capture. However, he acknowledged an unknown fault could be running through the area.

"There are numerous faults across the state, both known and unknown," Ausbrooks said. "This area has got a lot of faults associated with it from the mountain building of the Ouachitas, but they're considered inactive."

“Now’s the Time. Resolve to be Ready in 2009”

By Erin Streeter, Director, Ready Campaign

Planning is a daily part of our routine. We plan our holiday activities, weekend activities and grocery store visits. We plan our children’s schedules and daily tasks. And, without a doubt, endless lists often follow. There is one particular list that deserves to be checked twice – and it’s not your holiday shopping list. We’re talking about reviewing your emergency preparedness checklist and developing an emergency preparedness plan for your family.

The Ready Campaign encourages you to take a few extra minutes at the beginning of this new year to plan in case of an emergency. Consider the following questions: Have you spoken to your children’s schools about their shelter-in-place and/or evacuation plans?; Do you know the evacuation plan at work?; If your cell phone was inoperable how would you get in touch with your family?; Do you have a family meeting place and an out-of-town contact? These are just a few of the questions you should consider as you are developing your emergency plan.

Free preparedness resources, such as a Family Emergency Plan template and an Emergency Supply Kit Checklist are just a click away at www.Ready.gov or www.listo.gov. The Ready Web site also has a special section for kids, ages 8-12, (Ready Kids) and small- to medium-sized businesses (Ready Business). Be sure to check it out – print out your emergency plan template and emergency supply kit list and begin planning with your family today.

Emergencies will happen, but taking action now can help us minimize the impact they will have on our lives. Remember, Now’s the Time. Resolve to be Ready in 2009.

PREPAREDNESS TIPS

For Families:

• Get an emergency supply kit. Be sure to consider additional items to accommodate family members’ special needs:
• Prescription medications and glasses
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food, extra water for your pet, leash and collar
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
• Make sure your family has a plan in case of an emergency. Before an emergency happens, sit down together and decide how you will get in contact with each other, where you will go and what you will do in an emergency.
• Determine a neighborhood meeting place, a regional meeting place and an evacuation location.
• Identify an out-of-town emergency contact. It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact is important to help communicate among separated family members. Be sure every member of your family knows the out-of-town phone number and has coins or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact. You may have trouble getting through, or the telephone system may be down altogether, but be patient.
• You may also want to inquire about emergency plans at places where your family spends time, such as a place of employment. If no plans exist, consider volunteering to help create one.
• Talk to your neighbors about how you can work together in the event of an emergency. You will be better prepared to safely reunite your family and loved ones during an emergency if you think ahead and communicate with others in advance.

For Parents:

If you are a parent, or guardian of an elderly or disabled individual, make sure schools and care providers have emergency response plans:

· Ask how they will communicate with families during a crisis.

· Ask if they store adequate food, water and other basic supplies.

· Find out if they are prepared to "shelter-in-place" if need be, and where they plan to go if they must get away.

For Workplaces:

• Take a critical look at your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system to determine if it is secure or if it could feasibly be upgraded to better filter potential contaminants, and be sure you know how to turn it off if you need to.
• Think about what to do if your employees can't go home.
• Make sure you have appropriate supplies on-hand.

For Communities:

• Find out what kinds of disasters, both natural and man-made, are most likely to occur in your area and how you will be notified. Methods of getting your attention vary from community to community. One common method is to broadcast via emergency radio and TV broadcasts. You might hear a special siren, or get a telephone call, or emergency workers may go door-to-door. Contact a nearby Citizen Corps Council for help with emergency planning, or work with your local government and emergency management office to help start a Council in your area. Visit citizencorps.gov to find local Councils or learn how to start one in your community.

For additional tips and information, visit www.ready.gov

Credit Card Fraud on the Rise

The following has little or nothing to do with emergency preparedness, but I thought it useful information for the upcoming holiday shopping season.

GMW

__________________________

Fraud Alert from the Better Business Bureau

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a warning about a new type of gift card fraud. Criminals have figured out a way to take advantage of unactivated gift card displays that many stores have set up. They jot down the card number, then wait a few days and call the card's 800-number to find out whether it's been activated, or how much money is on the account. Then, they shop online using the gift card's number.

"It's just like cash and if anyone gets their hands on the number it can be used," says Southern Colorado Better Business Bureau President Carol O'Dell.

The BBB says this type of gift card fraud is occurring, on average, about five times a day nationwide.

"What the scammers are doing is they are taking those gift cards off the racks, recording the numbers off the back of the card, hanging the gift cards back up, and they hope somebody will pick that up and take it to the cashier, activate it, and then what they do is they call the 800 number within a few days and see if the card's been activated," said Jim Hegerty of the Omaha BBB. "If it is, they go on a free shopping spree."

How to Protect Yourself From Gift Card Fraud

Gift cards can be a safe bet if you follow some simple precautions.

"Caution is the word here," Hegerty said.

Some easy tips to avoid gift card fraud include:

• Don't buy gift cards that are located on displays the public can access, or that have all their security codes visible (even if they come from behind the counter).

• Look for gift cards that have scratch-off security codes. If it has been scratched off, don't buy the card and report it to the store's manager.

• Don't buy gift cards from online auction sites, which may be selling stolen or empty cards. Purchase gift cards online only from known, reputable retailers, or go to the actual store to get them.

• Anytime you buy a gift card, call the 800-number to check the balance soon after you get home. You can also ask the cashier to scan the card immediately after you buy it to ensure the balance is correct.

• Keep your receipt for the gift card in case of problems

General Information About Terrorism

Terrorism is the use of force or violence against persons or property in violation of the criminal laws of the United States for purposes of intimidation, coercion, or ransom.

Terrorists often use threats to:

* Create fear among the public.
* Try to convince citizens that their government is powerless to prevent terrorism.
* Get immediate publicity for their causes.

Acts of terrorism include threats of terrorism; assassinations; kidnappings; hijackings; bomb scares and bombings; cyber attacks (computer-based); and the use of chemical, biological, nuclear and radiological weapons.

High-risk targets for acts of terrorism include military and civilian government facilities, international airports, large cities, and high-profile landmarks. Terrorists might also target large public gatherings, water and food supplies, utilities, and corporate centers. Further, terrorists are capable of spreading fear by sending explosives or chemical and biological agents through the mail.

Within the immediate area of a terrorist event, you would need to rely on police, fire, and other officials for instructions. However, you can prepare in much the same way you would prepare for other crisis events.

General Safety Guidelines:

* Be aware of your surroundings.

* Move or leave if you feel uncomfortable or if something does not seem right.

* Take precautions when traveling. Be aware of conspicuous or unusual behavior. Do not accept packages from strangers. Do not leave luggage unattended. You should promptly report unusual behavior, suspicious or unattended packages, and strange devices to the police or security personnel.

* Learn where emergency exits are located in buildings you frequent. Plan how to get out in the event of an emergency.

* Be prepared to do without services you normally depend on—electricity, telephone, natural gas, gasoline pumps, cash registers, ATMs, and Internet transactions.

* Work with building owners to ensure the following items are located on each floor of the building:

o Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
o Several flashlights and extra batteries.
o First aid kit and manual.
o Hard hats and dust masks.
o Fluorescent tape to rope off dangerous areas.

Government warns of "catastrophic" U.S. quake

Thu Nov 20, 2008 6:42pm EST

What to Do After an Earthquake

• Expect aftershocks. These secondary shockwaves are usually less violent than the main quake but can be strong enough to do additional damage to weakened structures and can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or even months after the quake.
  
  
• Listen to a battery-operated radio or television. Listen for the latest emergency information.
  
  
• Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
  
  
• Open cabinets cautiously. Beware of objects that can fall off shelves.
  
  
• Stay away from damaged areas. Stay away unless your assistance has been specifically requested by police, fire, or relief organizations. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
  
  
• Be aware of possible tsunamis if you live in coastal areas. These are also known as seismic sea waves (mistakenly called "tidal waves"). When local authorities issue a tsunami warning, assume that a series of dangerous waves is on the way. Stay away from the beach.
  
  
• Help injured or trapped persons. Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance such as infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Give first aid where appropriate. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help.
  
  
• Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline or other flammable liquids immediately. Leave the area if you smell gas or fumes from other chemicals.
  
  
• Inspect the entire length of chimneys for damage. Unnoticed damage could lead to a fire.
  
  
• Inspect utilities.
  
  • Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.
    
    
  • Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice.
    
    
  • Check for sewage and water lines damage. If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using water from the tap. You can obtain safe water by melting ice cubes.

What To Do During An Earthquake

Stay as safe as possible during an earthquake. Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks and a larger earthquake might occur. Minimize your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place and stay indoors until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.

If indoors

• DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON on until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
• Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
• Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
• Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, loadbearing doorway.
• Stay inside until shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
• Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
• DO NOT use the elevators.

If outdoors

• Stay there.
• Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
• Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits, and alongside exterior walls. Many of the 120 fatalities from the 1933 Long Beach earthquake occurred when people ran outside of buildings only to be killed by falling debris from collapsing walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.

If in a moving vehicle

• Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
• Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.

If trapped under debris

• Do not light a match.
• Do not move about or kick up dust.
• Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
• Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

What to Do Before an Earthquake

Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning. Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake. Repairing deep plaster cracks in ceilings and foundations, anchoring overhead lighting fixtures to the ceiling, and following local seismic building standards, will help reduce the impact of earthquakes.

Six Ways to Plan Ahead

1. Check for Hazards in the Home
   • Fasten shelves securely to walls.
   • Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
   • Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches.
   • Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit.
   • Brace overhead light fixtures.
   • Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks.
   • Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor.
   • Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.
   • Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.
     
     
2. Identify Safe Places Indoors and Outdoors
   • Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.
   • Against an inside wall.
   • Away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over.
   • In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.
     
     
3. Educate Yourself and Family Members
   • Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on earthquakes. Also read the "How-To Series" for information on how to protect your property from earthquakes.
   • Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.
   • Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.
     
     
4. Have Disaster Supplies on Hand
   • Flashlight and extra batteries.
   • Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
   • First aid kit and manual.
   • Emergency food and water.
   • Nonelectric can opener.
   • Essential medicines.
   • Cash and credit cards.
   • Sturdy shoes.
     
     
5. Develop an Emergency Communication Plan
   • In case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster.
   • Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.
     
     
6. Help Your Community Get Ready
   • Form or join a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
     
   • Publish a special section in your local newspaper with emergency information on earthquakes. Localize the information by printing the phone numbers of local emergency services offices, the American Red Cross, and hospitals.
   • Conduct a week-long series on locating hazards in the home.
   • Work with local emergency services and American Red Cross officials to prepare special reports for people with mobility impairments on what to do during an earthquake.
   • Provide tips on conducting earthquake drills in the home.
   • Interview representatives of the gas, electric, and water companies about shutting off utilities.
   • Work together in your community to apply your knowledge to building codes, retrofitting programs, hazard hunts, and neighborhood and family emergency plans.

Prepare For Winter Storms

Before Winter Storms and Extreme Cold

Add the following supplies to your disaster supplies kit:

• Rock salt to melt ice on walkways
• Sand to improve traction
• Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.

Prepare your home and family

• Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off. For example, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
  
  
• Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.
  
  
• Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment. Clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.
  
  
• Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.
  
  
• Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
  
  
• Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).
  
  
• Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors or employees.
  
  
• Hire a contractor to check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow - or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.

Prepare your car

• Check or have a mechanic check the following items on your car:
  
  
  • Antifreeze levels - ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing.
    
    
  • Battery and ignition system - should be in top condition and battery terminals should be clean.
    
    
  • Brakes - check for wear and fluid levels.
    
    
  • Exhaust system - check for leaks and crimped pipes andrepair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.
    
    
  • Fuel and air filters - replace and keep water out of the system by using additives and maintaining a full tank of gas.
    
    
  • Heater and defroster - ensure they work properly.
    
    
  • Lights and flashing hazard lights - check for serviceability.
    
    
  • Oil - check for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well.
    
    
  • Thermostat - ensure it works properly.
    
    
  • Windshield wiper equipment - repair any problems and maintain proper washer fluid level.
    
    
• Install good winter tires. Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.
  
  
• Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season.
  
  
• Place a winter emergency kit in each car that includes:
  
  
  • a shovel
  • windshield scraper and small broom
  • flashlight
  • battery powered radio
  • extra batteries
  • water
  • snack food
  • matches
  • extra hats, socks and mittens
  • First aid kit with pocket knife
  • Necessary medications
  • blanket(s)
  • tow chain or rope
  • road salt and sand
  • booster cables
  • emergency flares
  • fluorescent distress flag

Dress for the Weather

• Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
  
  
• Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves.
  
  
• Wear a hat.
  
  
• Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.

TEEN CERT Coming to District 10

The Center for Regional and National Security (CeRNS) at Eastern Michigan University initiated a grant funded pilot project from Michigan Citizen Corp to develop, validate and initiate an education program targeting high school students teaching Disaster Preparedness and Response. The Teen Community Emergency Response Team (Teen CERT) Program educates students about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, Teen CERT members can assist others in their schools, neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. Teen CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.


This 20 hour program focused on the following topics with hands on learning.


Topics include:

* Disaster Preparedness
* Fire Safety
* Disaster Medical Assistance Part 1
* Disaster Medical Assistance Part 2
* Light Search and Rescue Operations
* Disaster Psychology
* Terrorism
* Course Review and Disaster Simulation

The core Teen CERT program has three main goals. First, it will seek to provide students with a knowledge base on the effects of natural and man-made disasters and their emotional, social, and economic impacts. Secondly, it will aim to build decision-making and problem solving skills and strategies to help students make informed decisions regarding readiness, response & recovery and mitigation efforts to reduce loss of life and property. Lastly, an integral part of the Teen CERT program will be to provide students with hands-on training using reality-driven drills and exercises.



Training in disaster response should not be a one-time event. Awareness, commitment, and skills must be reinforced through follow-up training and repeated practice to maintain the edge necessary for effective response in the face of a disaster. Tomaintain your skill level and continually improve performance, you and your classmates should participate in continuing supplemental training when offered in your area. Working through practice disaster scenarios with other citizens will provide opportunities not only for extended practice, but for valuable networking with citizens in the local area.


The curriculum is not meant to replace those of previously established initiatives, rather it incorporates them in their entirety and focus on increasing knowledge and skill development in seven areas as they relate to disasters: 1) cognitive information, 2) recognizing hazards, 3) planning skills, 4) consequential thinking and risk taking, 5) team-building and communication skills, 6) decision making, 7) individual responsibilities within the community. Some of these lessons will focus on raising awareness in skill areas, while others emphasize their practical application.

The following CERT Instructors form Madison and Henderson Co attended a training class for TEEN CERT Instructors on November 14th - 16th at the Nashville Fire Academy and Training Center in Bell Buckle, Tennessee.

Marty Clements - Jackson-Madison Co EMA
Leah Gray - Jackson State Community College
Scott Mizen - Medical Support Command
Scott Parrish - LANA Cert Team

We are seeking additional TEEN CERT Instructors to help with this program.


Teen CERT works and should your school want to participate please contact us for further information:

G. Michael Winslow - CERT Coordinator
Jackson-Madison County EMA
District 10 Tennessee Homeland Security

731-427-1271
731-616-8599 cell

gmwinslo@bellsouth.net

Bell Mead Neighborhood Watch Public Event

Jackson-Madison Co. CERT had a joint public information display on Sunday afternoon Nov. 1 along with the Jackson-Madison County Emergency Management Agency. The event, held at Liberty Park, was well attended and with weather was perfect.

There were many questions about CERT and the Bell Mead neighborhood will begin working on a CERT class soon.

If your neighborhood or group is interested in a Community Emergency Response Team, please contact:

G. Michael Winslow, CERT Coordinator
Jackson-Madison Co. EMA
District 10 Homeland Security

731-427-1271
gmwinslo@bellsouth.net