Local Emergency Management Officials Offer Earthquake Preparedness Tips

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Perry County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and Du Quoin Emergency Services and Disaster Agency (ESDA) remind the public that preparing for an earthquake is very important in light of the massive earthquake that hit Japan.

"The massive earthquake that has occurred in Japan should be an important remnider to the public to be prepared for an earthquake, large or small," said Perry County EMA Coordinator David Searby Jr. He added that there are several things you can do to be prepared for an earthquake.

Preparation tools for an earthquake include having an emergency plan that addresses all diffeent types of hazards, including earthquakes. Searby stressed that it is important to have a plan whether it is for home, school or work due to the fact that southern Illinois has the potential for earthquakes. Additionally, emergency management officials suggest having an emergency supply kit with basic items including food, water, medicine and batteries.

For additional information regarding earthquake preparedness please contact either Perry County EMA at (618)357-6221 or Du Quoin ESDA at (618)542-3841. Additionally, earthquake preparedness information can be obtained by visiting the Illinois Emergency Management Agency website at http://www.iema.illinois.gov/iema/disaster/eQuakeMain.htm.