Oklahoma Earthquakes and What You Can Do About Them

The chart shows all magnitudes of earthquakes. (0.0 and up)

If you have lived in Oklahoma the past few years, there is a 75 percent chance you have felt an earthquake. Earthquakes have been on a drastic increase in recent years, and geologists are concerned it is only a matter of time before a damaging earthquake occurs.

"The rate of earthquakes in Oklahoma has increased remarkably since October 2013–by about 50 percent – significantly increasing the chance for a damaging magnitude 5.5 or greater quake in central Oklahoma." 

In 2009, Oklahoma saw a total of 50* earthquakes. Yes, just 50 for the entire year. It sounds pretty hard to believe that since last year in 2014 we had 5,417*. Since 2009, the number of earthquakes has been exponentially increasing. The frequency of earthquakes has increased to where we have at least two a day.

Geologists fear that the increase in earthquakes would suggest that a large, damaging earthquake has a higher probability of occurring. In a joint press release issued last year by the United States Geological Survey and the Oklahoma Geological Survey, “The rate of earthquakes in Oklahoma has increased remarkably since October 2013–by about 50 percent – significantly increasing the chance for a damaging magnitude 5.5 or greater quake in central Oklahoma.”

The number of earthquakes being reported felt has also increased dramatically. In Nov. of 2011, a 5.6 magnitude earthquake centered in the town of Prague, damaged buildings and injured a few people. It is the largest earthquake ever recorded in Oklahoma history.

Many geologists have come to a conclusion that it is no longer a matter of “if” a damaging earthquake will occur, but rather “when” it will occur.

With the earthquakes on a drastic rise, someone might ask what one can do to prepare themselves for the “Big One”?    

One of the first things you can do is make sure your home is secure. You should also have a family communication plan and an emergency earthquake kit prepared. An earthquake drill with your family would also be a good idea so that family members know what to do when an earthquake occurs.

What does an earthquake kit consist of?

The following is a list from ready.gov on what a kit should contain:

1) Water- one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
2) Food- at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.
3)Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both.
4) Flashlight and extra batteries.
5) First aid kit
6) Whistle to signal for help.
7) Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place.
8) Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.
9) Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
10) Manual can opener for food.
11) Local maps
12) Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger.

Many insurance companies in Oklahoma have started offering earthquake insurance to its customers. Although it may seem like a silly thing to most, let’s not forget that an earthquake has the potential to cause catastrophic damage. On Aug. 24, 2014, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck South Napa Valley, Cali. It injured 208 people and killed one. The total economic losses for that earthquake is estimated around $400 million.**

Earthquake insurance could help a person after an earthquake occurs, but what about during? I have listed a few tips on what to do during an earthquake. These tips are also tips from ready.gov, an emergency preparedness website.

If you are inside your home:

1) Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
2) DO NOT get in a doorway as this does not provide protection from falling or flying objects and you likely will not be able to remain standing.
3) Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Do not exit a building during the shaking. 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.
4) DO NOT use the elevators.
5) Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.

If you are outside or in your vehicle:

1) If you can, move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
2) Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
3) Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.

*The total number of all earthquakes magnitude 0.0 and above. This information is from the Oklahoma Geological Survey earthquake catalogs.
**Information and estimates are from the United States Geological Survey.

Follow Jordan Overton on Twitter: @JordanoWX