When you think earthquake, Alabama probably isn’t the first state that pops in your head. Our state, however, has four zones of frequent earthquake activity: the New Madrid Seismic Zone, the Southern Appalachian Seismic Zone, the South Carolina Seismic Zone and the Bahamas Fracture Seismic Zone. Most earthquakes in Alabama occur in the Southern Appalachian Seismic Zone from the northeastern corner to the central area of the state.

>> Learn more about earthquakes in Alabama,
including a catalog of Alabama earthquakes since 1886.

Most Alabama quakes only reach a magnitude of 3.0 or lower. Still, Alabama businesses should be aware of the likelihood of an earthquake in their locations and be prepared.

HOW TO PREPARE

The Great Central U.S. ShakeOut is an annual opportunity each fall to practice earthquake safety: “Drop, Cover and Hold On.” The ShakeOut aims to encourage you or your organization to review and update emergency preparedness plans and supplies, and to secure your space in order to prevent damage and injuries.

RECENT ALABAMA EARTHQUAKES

• 6:55 a.m., June 30, 2015: an earthquake with a 3.8 magnitude was reported 12 miles northwest of Eutaw. No damage or injuries were reported.
• 2:11 a.m., June 9, 2015, an earthquake with a 2.1 magnitude was reported near Scottsboro. It was not associated with structural damage.
• 12:09 p.m., June 6, 2015, an earthquake with a 3.0 magnitude was reported nine miles northwest of Eutaw. No structural damage was reported. The Eutaw area has experienced more earthquakes than anywhere else in the state in 2015, including four in May.

The Alabama Retail Association provides information to members when disaster strikes. For more information, visit Emergency Preparedness under Resources.