By james art A new report from the US Geological Survey (USGS) has been released that estimates the likelihood of strong ground shaking from earthquakes in the Dallas/Irving area this year.
The 1-year (2016) seismic hazard model is a supplement to the USGS’s long-running National Seismic Hazard Model, but the new report predicts ground shaking in one year. Like the USGS National Seismic Hazard Model, the new model estimates where, how often, and how strong earthquakes can occur around the U.S.
Dallas/Irving is one of several areas that experienced increased rates of earthquakes and seismic hazard compared to the 2014 USGS National Seismic Hazard Model. For the past year, the USGS has been working with a task force on the Dallas/Irving earthquake.
“As emergency managers, we have prepared and are constantly preparing for earthquakes as we would for any other hazard,” said Office of Emergency Management Director Rocky Vaz. “We continue to review our plans and procedures to ensure we can respond effectively to protect life, property and the environment.”
(The 2016 Seismic Hazard Model is not a predictor of earthquakes. The most important thing for citizens is to understand the risks and threats posed by the hazards and the importance of being prepared for any emergency.
For more information on earthquake preparedness and earthquake safety, visit www.ready.gov/earthquakes.