The ‘Great Central U.S. Shakeout’ will take place Thursday. Kentucky is one of 14 states participating in the earthquake preparedness event.
Much international attention over the past year has focused on major earthquakes in Nepal and Chile. John Bobel with Lexington’s Division of Emergency Management says the frequency and magnitude of earthquakes in the central part of the the U.S. have been on the rise. He says it’s no longer just a problem in the western region. "Over the past two weeks we’ve had an earthquake in Shelbyville that was in excess of a 2.0, and that will give you a shake and you’ll feel it and you’ll go what was that,” said Bobel.
Many schools will conduct earthquake drills at 10:15 Thursday morning. Bobel says movement in the central part of the country has increased. He says a sizeable earthquake in western Kentucky could also impact the Central region. "You won’t be able to get supplies by road," he said. "You won’t be able to get supplies by rail. There’s significant pipelines and electrical systems that go from west to east. Those are going to be disrupted."
In addition, Bobel says the University of Kentucky Hospital with it’s trauma rating would likely receive many patients from western Kentucky. Those participating in the drill this week will be instructed to drop, take cover, and hold on until the shaking stops.
