by Lornna Bates
Managing editor
If at one point this past weekend you felt the ground move unsteadily beneath your feet, you are not alone.
People across the state of Oklahoma and in surrounding states reported feeling the earth move on Saturday evening, Nov. 5.
Michael Kimball, writer for NewsOk online, reported that the earthquake that trembled central Oklahoma Saturday evening, Nov. 5 at 10:53 p.m. included the largest tremor recorded in state history at a 5.6 magnitude quake on the Richter scale.
There was a second quake on Monday evening, Nov. 7 at 8:46 p.m., according to Kimball, which registered a 4.7 magnitude and was centered in roughly the same area as the record-setting tremor of Saturday.
Kimball referenced geological scientists who believe the earthquake is naturally occurring as a result of seismic activity.
He also mentioned, however, that the scientists are not precisely sure of the actual cause of the two earthquakes as of yet.
He said scientists will continue to research the data to find a more absolute and definitive cause.
The scientists were adamant that petroleum and gas drilling, known as fracking, is not likely to be the cause of the tremors, said Kimball.
According to the website for the Ohio Environmental Council, fracking, otherwise known as horizontal hydrofracking.
Fracking is a relatively new drilling technology, with a high-volume, horizontal hydraulic fracturing of earth making it possible to reach natural gas reserves that underlie regions across the nation
A 5.5 magnitude earthquake drilled Oklahoma in 1952, according to the Leonard Geophysical Observatory. This was previously the largest earthquake recorded in Oklahoma until Saturday.
While SE students, faculty and staff may not associate Oklahoma with earthquakes, Durant lies on the Gulf Coastal Plain, which consists of young sedimentary rock, according to the EPCM Plan.
On Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2010, Durant felt the effects of an earthquake as well. As student contributing writer Tammy Neely reported, SE experienced a 4.1 magnitude earthquake.
At its epicenter, the city of Noble, the earthquake reached a magnitude of 4.7 on the Richter scale, according to the Leonard Geophysical Observatory.
According to Neely’s article, SE has an Emergency Response team in place, which is known as the Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT.
At the time, Captain and Assistant Director of Police and Safety Stacey Ballew assured Neely that the team was ready for just such events.
The Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Management Plan contains response procedures for SE employees and students to refer to in the event of an emergency caused by an earthquake, as well as detailed listing for others emergency situations.
According to the EPCM Plan, all employees and students should immediately take cover in the event of an earthquake and the following procedures should be used.
Be sure to position yourself under a desk or in a doorway and to protect your head with your arms.
Try to stay clear of windows, shelves and heavy objects in an attempt to avoid falling and/or flying debris.
Do not under any circumstances try to use an elevator in the event of an earthquake emergency.
Once the tremor has desisted, immediately evacuate the building and proceed to the rally point that has been established by your specific department evacuation plan.
If you are outdoors, move away from buildings, trees, utility poles, power lines and gas meters.
The Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Management Plan is available to all SE students, faculty and staff on the SE website.
The U.S. Geological Survey site, or USGS, can also provide some important information on what to do in the event of an earthquake, as well as tips on how to prepare for an earthquake to minimize the possible damage to persons and property.
For additional information on individual, family and community preparedness you may visit the following websites:
USGS Earthquake Frequently Asked Questions
American Red Cross Information on Earthquake Safety and Preparedness
Central U. S. Earthquake Consortium
(CUSEC) Safety Information
The Weather Channel Earthquake Safety Sheet
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Oklahoma Geographic Survey
http://www.dropcoverholdon.org/
These websites will provide necessary information such as what to do in the event of an earthquake, how to assemble an emergency preparedness kit for your home, office and/or vehicle.
Many sites suggest running drills with family to ensure that loved ones are prepared and aware of the proper procedures during an earthquake.
Teach them to drop to the floor, cover head as best as possible and hold on to a secure support until the trembling ends. According to many of the eartquake procedures sites, such as OSGS Frequently Asked Questions site, this procedure is effective and can save from injury, death and/or damage.
Perform safety checks after a quake. Check for gas, water, downed power lines and for any shortages, and also turn off appropriate utilities if you are able.
Do not attempt to turn the gas back on yourself, wait for the gas company and have them also check for any gas leaks that may have occurred.
Take caution when opening cabinets or closet doors as you do not know what has settled against the surface of the door or cabinet that is not stable and/or securely positioned.
Attempt to use telephones only in the event of an absolute emergency and be sure to have flashlights and a radio on hand, for illumination and information.
Preparation and safety precautions will go a long way to ensuring the safety of yourself and your loved ones in the event of an emergency situation, including earthquakes.