Less than a week after a 4.8 magnitude earthquake hit New Jersey on April 5, 2024, several aftershocks, including one measuring a 2.6 magnitude, shook the eastern coast. That Friday morning earthquake was the largest in state history and the epicenter was just 45 miles from New York City.
How often does the east coast experience earthquakes?
Since 1950 an estimated 40 earthquakes have hit the east coast, about half of those with a magnitude above 4.5. One of the last quakes with a similar magnitude to the earthquake on April 5th was in 2011 when a 5.8 magnitude earthquake hit the State of Virginia. That quake cost an estimated $200 to $300 million in personal property damage and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) says it was likely felt by more people than any other earthquake in North America’s history, given its proximity to dense population centers and its wide reach. The quake was so strong it caused significant damage to the Washington Monument. The strongest earthquake on record in the eastern U.S. happened in 1886, when a 7.0 earthquake hit Charleston, SC., killing 60 people.
Though earthquakes on the east coast are less frequent than the west coast, they do occur and can cause damage to homes and businesses. Being informed and prepared is your best defense against the uncertainty of when and where an earthquake might strike. Parts of the east are prone to seismic events, with fault lines located in the so-called New Madrid Seismic Zone near the border of Tennessee, Missouri and Arkansas, and the Middleton Place Summerville Seismic Zone near Charleston, South Carolina. Connecticut also has a fault system that extends from southern Connecticut near the lower Connecticut River Valley, eastward and northward through the State into Massachusetts.
While the west experiences more severe and larger earthquakes, east coast quakes tend to influence larger areas due to harder east coast stone. The thicker mantle and cold hard rock on the east coast helps amplify earthquake-induced vibration, which can increase the potential damage of east coast quakes, in comparison with the same size earthquake in the West.
How are earthquakes measured?
According to the USGS, earthquakes are recorded by a network of seismic stations that measure the movement of the ground. The time, location, and magnitude (size of the earthquake) can be determined from the data recorded by seismometer. Seismometers record the vibrations from earthquakes that travel through the Earth.
An earthquake can also be measured by its intensity, or how much energy is released. The amount of energy radiated by an earthquake is a measure of the potential for damage to man-made structures. Unfortunately, no one can predict when or where the next major earthquake will strike, making preparedness important for people all across the nation.
How to prepare for the next earthquake
It is imperative to always have a plan in place for any disaster that may strike. Make sure building codes are up to date, keep family and employees educated on what to do in the event of an earthquake, and consider purchasing earthquake insurance.
According to a recent report from the USGS, almost half of all Americans are at risk for damage from an earthquake. Standard homeowners, condo and renters insurance policies do NOT include coverage for earthquakes. You can, however, usually purchase a separate policy that will provide coverage for your home and belongings if they are damaged or destroyed in an earthquake.
You will want to speak with an agent to understand what earthquake insurance covers as there are certain exclusions and limits. An independent agent at Brooks, Todd & McNeil can walk you through a policy and ensure all your coverage needs are adequately met. Contact us today at 1.800.448.4567.