MOUNT VERNON, Ill. — A small earthquake was reported in southern Illinois Sunday night.
The 3.1-magnitude earthquake occurred at about 10:10 p.m. Sunday. The epicenter was reported near Mount Vernon, Illinois.
According to the United States Geological Survey, more than 300 people reported feeling the earthquake. One person as far away as Springfield, Illinois, reported feeling the earthquake.
Andrea Trader said her dogs started barking.
“I heard the noise first," Trader said. "It sounded like thunder, and then it kind of lingered on.”
“I have these little baskets on my wall and they started to shake a little bit," said Annabelle Long.
“It sounded like the furnace fell through the ceiling," said Mark Wells.
USGS said the earthquake happened at a depth of about 10 miles underground.
“Being around coal mine areas, a lot of times you just think it’s just a fall in down below," Wells said.
The 3.1 magnitude earthquake came almost 212 years to the date after the New Madrid earthquake. Washington County EMA said although the earthquake was minor, it is a good reminder to have a disaster plan.
"We sit right between the New Madrid fault and the Wabash fault, which is over on the Ohio River, so we’re due for the big one," Bierman said.
Bierman said it's important to have an emergency kit.
"Be prepared for about 72 hours on your own," he said. "Have water, non-perishable foods, a first aid kit, flashlight and medications. It’s going to take us 72 hours or more to get help in here because if the big one happens you can’t cross bridges.”
ShakeOut, a worldwide earthquake safety movement, suggests following the seven steps to earthquake safety from the Earthquake Country Alliance:
Prepare
- Step 1: Secure your space by identifying hazards and securing moveable items.
- Step 2: Plan to be safe by creating a disaster plan and deciding how you will communicate in an emergency.
- Step 3: Organize disaster supplies in convenient locations.
- Step 4: Minimize financial hardship by organizing important documents, strengthening your property, and considering insurance.
Survive and recover
- Step 5: Drop, Cover, and Hold On when the earth shakes.
- Step 6: Improve safety after earthquakes by evacuating if necessary, helping the injured, and preventing further injuries or damage.
After the immediate threat of the earthquake has passed, your level of preparedness will determine your quality of life in the weeks and months that follow:
- Step 7: Reconnect and Restore — Restore daily life by reconnecting with others, repairing damage, and rebuilding community.
You can also visit ready.gov/earthquakes for more information.
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