Information about Earthquakes: Six Earth Shaking Sites

Earthquakes occur worldwide every single day, yet no one can predict with certainty when or where the next one will strike. We have much to learn about these mighty forces of earthly nature and about protecting ourselves when a quake occurs.

From fascinating tips to hardcore scientific data, here six excellent sources for keeping on top of the latest seismic movements around the planet. Whether you are living in an earthquake zone, a survivalist who wants to keep abreast of potential dangers, or just plain curious –consult these sites for earth moving information:

Center For Earthquake Research And Information: CERI, as stated on their site, was “established in 1977, serves the University of Memphis by facilitating interdisciplinary research and education, and the public by providing authoritative scientific education and information”.  That’s a mouthful for the fun ways CERI has meshed learning, geology and earthquakes together. CERI is a great spot for kids and families alike to gain info and useful tips.

United States Geological Survey: Learn where most recent earthquakes have occurred, gather safety information and glean interesting facts about quakes. The USGS is considered one of the top scientific sources for earthquake information.  It’s fun to check out the section, “Today’s Earthquake Fact” to learn trivia and earth shaking data.  The tab, “Hazards” will keep you current on aftershocks, regional and worldwide events along with vital safety alerts for those in earthquake belts. A must for travelers to bookmark!

FEMA (or the Federal Emergency Management Agency) is part of the United States Department of Homeland Security.  You’ll find their mission, “to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards” encompasses not only earthquakes, but also all natural disasters and acts of terrorism. Earthquake research, state quake resource sites and valuable tips, and photos are available. But most useful, perhaps, are the “Plan and Prepare” and “Recover and Rebuild” tabs that offer hands on “Do it Yourself” data for preventing loss of life and property as well as how to recover in the aftermath of any disaster.

The Great California Shakeout:  There isn’t likely an easier and clearer website for earthquake preparedness out there. Discover Public Service Handouts (PSA’s) and articles to print and use, links to video simulations of earthquake potential, plus a wealth of quake safety topics.  In addition to an outstanding, people friendly site, The Great California Shakeout also hosts and conceived an annual safety event, unlike any other. On October 15, 2009 at 10:15 a.m., over 10 million Californians simultaneously practiced “Drop, Cover and Hold On”- which is the standard for earthquake safety.  Future Shakeouts are planned for the third Thursday of October every year. With a 99.7 percent chance of a 6.7 Californian quake looming in the next 30 years, those at the Shakeout are doing an incredible work educating and preparing citizens.

Southern California Earthquake Center:  In a state that is subject to over 10,000 quakes a year, it shouldn’t surprise you that California is top dog in research headquarters. According to their website, “The Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC) is a community of more than 600 scientists, students and others at more than 60 institutions, headquartered at the University of Southern California.” If you are looking for studies, scientific work or facts a plenty, you’ll love this site. The many earthquake animations available to the public make this a thought provoking spot in and of its self. (Go to the tab, “Technical Resources” and click on “Animations and Movies”). For those moving to quake zones, you’ll want to download their valuable booklet, “Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country”.