Kansas is not generally thought of as earthquake country. In recent years, however, the number and severity of earthquakes in the state — especially those emanating from the oil and gas fields along the Kansas/Oklahoma border southwest of Wichita — have spiked and appear to be increasing.
Nothing approaching a major earthquake has ever originated in Kansas. The largest event in recorded history was a 5.1 magnitude quake centered near Manhattan, Kan., in 1867. That magnitude is considered "moderate" on the Modified Mercalli Scale of earthquake intensity.
Despite the low risk of a major event, here are some resources that can help you be better prepared should a large earthquake take place.
- OSHA Earthquakes Guide: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration emergency guide on how to prepare before an earthquake.
- Drop, Cover and Hold Earthquake Preparedness Training Video: Shows detailed instruction and visual demonstration of the Drop, Cover and Hold procedure
for surviving a major earthquake.
Part 1:Part 2:
- Red Cross Earthquake Preparedness Guide: Earthquake safety tips and preparedness actions provided by the American Red Cross.
- Kansas Geological Survey earthquakes page: Lots of information about the Kansas geology, Kansas earthquake history and induced seismicity.
- USGS Kansas Earthquakes Information page: Information about earthquake history in Kansas compiled by the United States Geological Survey.