JEFFERSON CITY — Missouri officials are planning numerous events in February to teach people about earthquakes.
February is Earthquake Awareness Month, and the State Emergency Management Agency, Department of Natural Resources and others are sponsoring lessons across the state about seismic safety. The importance of earthquake safety in Missouri is highlighted by tremors in 1811 and 1812 along the New Madrid fault that famously prompted the Mississippi River to flow north.
State geologist Joe Gillman said there is still broad concern about a future earthquake centered near New Madrid. Gillman said large earthquakes are rare but that even smaller ones can cause serious damage.