Malden, Mo., children's museum hosting earthquake event for all ages Saturday

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Coinciding with Earthquake Awareness Month and the bicentennial of the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811-1812, an awareness event this weekend in Malden aims to teach citizens about earthquake risks and how to prepare for them.

Set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Bootheel Youth Museum in Malden, the event will feature displays and information about earthquake history, safety and preparedness.

At 11 a.m. there will be short presentations in the museum auditorium. Geologist David Gaunt will examine the science behind earthquakes and Brian Blake from the Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium will present information on the Great Central U.S. ShakeOut -- a regionwide earthquake drill in April.

Patsy Reublin, executive director for Bootheel Youth Museum, said there will be activities for both children and adults.

"We've got different organizations that will be here and have interactive programs for the adults and we have four stations with hands-on activities for children," Reublin said. "We do have a whole museum for the kids while the parents learn how to prep their homes."

For example, Atmos Energy will bring in a gas meter to show people how to turn one off after an earthquake. Malden's ROTC will show first aid techniques.

Among others scheduled to participate in the Malden event are the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Central United States Earthquake Consortium, the Division of Geology and Land Survey, the State Emergency Management Agency and several local organizations.

"Normally we charge a fee to the museum, but if people mention they saw this article and that they're here for the earthquake event, we will waive the fee," Reublin said.

The New Madrid Seismic Zone, centered in Southeast Missouri, is the nation's most active earthquake zone east of the Rocky Mountains. At least three of the largest earthquakes in history in the continental United States occurred in that area in 1811-1812. The largest of the quakes was centered in New Madrid on Feb. 7, 1812.

The earthquakes altered the flow of the Mississippi River, turned rich farmland into fields of sand and destroyed countless structures. People on the east coast felt shaking and church bells reportedly rang as far away as New England.

"Nobody is thoughtful of the fact that we might -- no, we are going to have another earthquake -- we just don't know when," said Dave McClarty, director of New Madrid County Emergency Management Agency.

McClarty said his biggest concern in regard to the possibility of an earthquake in this region is that people simply be aware.

"People have short memories, and we laugh and joke about [Dr.] Iben Browning [who predicted a severe earthquake] back in the 1990s, but if you really look at it, it raised the awareness in this local region," McClarty said.

People were putting up food and water supplies in their homes and in their cars, he recalled

"At one time, it might have been 60 or 70 percent of people thinking about being prepared for an earthquake, and now it's down to 25 or 30 percent," McClarty said.

If a major earthquake like Tuesday's 6.3-magnitude in New Zealand which killed at least 65 people would occur in this region, McClarty said pipelines, electrical lines and telephone lines will be lost.

"If we have even a minor earthquake, we have to think about how it will affect the levees along the river," McClarty said.

There could be flooding in some of the river towns such as New Madrid, Charleston, Portageville, Cape Girardeau and Cairo, Ill., McClarty said.

Residents should be prepared to fend for themselves for at least 10 to 14 days, the emergency management director said.

"We're in this society where we can restock through the delivery of trucks that we've gotten so used to it. When a major earthquake happens and that supply line stops, we won't have any supplies coming in," McClarty said, adding armed forces will be helping not only Missouri residents but those in neighboring states.

McClarty suggested stocking up on nonperishable food containing protein such as tuna, chicken and other meat as well as jugs of water. The items should be rotated out from time to time, he noted.

Simple mitigation is important, McClarty said. He advised residents to strap down their home water heaters.

"It maybe cost $10 to put a strap around and an hour to do it, but if we have a little shaking, it won't go anywhere," McClarty explained.

McClarty urged residents to take part in the Midwest's first ShakeOut set for 10:15 a.m. April 28.

"It's a tool to help people raise their level of awareness," McClarty said about the regionwide earthquake drill. "It will help people to stop, think and realize this awareness is something we need and have to think about."

Thousands of Missourians will practice the "Drop, Cover, Hold On" method of self-protection during a major earthquake. Ten other states are also taking part in the ShakeOut. To register, go to www.shakeout.org/centralus/register/.

McClarty noted in May, there will also be National Level Exercise 2011 that will involve federal, state and local agencies.

Pertinent address:

Malden, MO