Earthquakes may be rare in Arizona, but they do happen. Hundreds occur in and around the state each year. “Arizona does have earthquakes. Faults in Arizona and neighboring states are capable of delivering large magnitude earthquakes that impact Arizonans,” Mike Conway, Chief of the Geologic Extension Service at the Arizona Geological Survey (AZGS) said. “Elsewhere in the Western U.S.--Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada and Utah--the likelihood of encountering a moderate to large earthquake accompanied by damaging ground shaking only increases.” According to the AZGS, the most recent large earthquake was a magnitude 5.3 near Duncan, Ariz., in June 2014. It was felt from Phoenix to Alamogordo, N.M., and was followed by thousands of aftershocks; dozens of which were felt in the Duncan area. “The fault near Duncan is an unnamed one,” said Conway, “which points out how far we have to go to understand the crustal structure in Arizona.” Arizona has active faults that run through the state. The Northern Arizona Seismic Belt, which runs from Flagstaff to Utah, comprises dozens of active faults. The Lake Mary Fault just south of Flagstaff could produce an earthquake up to a magnitude of 7. The Hurricane Fault, also in Northern Arizona, could produce an earthquake up to 7.5 magnitude. Other faults and their potential magnitudes include the Algodones Fault in southwestern Arizona (6.6 magnitude), the Big Chino Fault in central Arizona (7 magnitude), and the Safford Fault in eastern Arizona (6.5 magnitude). The Santa Rita Fault southeast of Tucson could have an earthquake up to magnitude 7. When asked how a magnitude 7 earthquake might impact the Tucson area, Conway describes quite a bit of damage, with newer construction holding up better than older buildings. “Older, unreinforced masonry building would suffer damage that could be severe and could result in injuries or deaths. Newer reinforced buildings would suffer some damage – lights, windows, masonry – but would be unlikely to collapse. Wood frame home are resilient,” he explained. “Foundations would crack, water lines might burst, but the houses would not collapse. Some bridges and roads might suffer considerable damage, thereby causing transportation issues. Rock falls in the Santa Catalina Mountains and surrounding ranges would occur.” Even if they don’t happen in your community, earthquakes may occur when you travel, so it’s good to know what to do. The Great ShakeOut is an easy way to help your family be prepared to survive and to recover quickly if an earthquake does strike. Join the more than 70,000 Arizonans (including the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs) on October 15 at 10:15 a.m. and Drop, Cover and Hold On. When an earthquake begins, Drop to the ground quickly. Take Cover under a sturdy table or desk; and Hold On until the shaking stops. Stay inside until the earthquake stops and you are certain it is safe to move. Register your family, school or business online at http://shakeout.org/arizona. If you are outside when an earthquake strikes, find a spot away from large objects such as buildings, trees, and power lines, Drop, Cover and Hold On. Don’t move until the shaking stops. If you happen to be driving, pull to the side of the road and stop in a clear spot. Keep your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops. Proceed with caution and avoid places that may have been damaged, including roads, highways and bridges. To make your house safe during an earthquake, AZGS suggests strapping down the water heater and safely securing large cabinets to the wall. Preparation can help mitigate the effects of moderate to severe quakes. Other ways to prepare is to make sure your family communication plan is updated. Double-check that your emergency supplies kit is well stocked. For more preparedness tips, visit Arizona Emergency Information Network (AzEIN). AZGS created an interactive website, the AZGS natural hazard viewer, which allow the user to enter their address and identify four hazards (earthquakes, earth fissures, floods and wildfires) that may be in their community. AZGS has also published an online booklet about earthquakes in Arizona that includes maps, pictures and illustrations.