February is Earthquake Awareness Month, and the Kentucky Public Protection Cabinet is encouraging Kentuckians to review policies for Earthquake Coverage. Kentucky is often described as the heart of the U.S., but it also happens to be located in the heart of active seismic zones, making the state susceptible to earthquakes. The areas with peak activity include Eastern Tennessee, the Wabash Valley, and the New Madrid Zone, areas surrounding Eastern and Central Kentucky. UK Seismologist Dr. Seth Carpenter says generally speaking, we have one or two, maybe even more earthquakes that people can feel in Kentucky each year. Because of the New Madrid fault, Kentucky is one of 16 states most at risk for earthquakes, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. People are encouraged to educate and prepare themselves for potential quakes. Standard homeowners’ insurance policies generally do not cover earthquake damage, but consumers can purchase earthquake coverage as an enhancement to their existing policy. You should also make sure you have a disaster supply kit on hand that includes water, at least one gallon per person per day for several days, at least several days of non-perishable food, a first aid kit and battery power or hand crank radio.
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