Earthquakes risk in Arkansas

Earthquake Risk in Arkansas

Arkansas is ranked at level 3 of 5 for earthquake hazard, meaning the state has a moderate risk of experiencing damaging ground shaking. The primary reason for this rating is the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ), which stretches from southeastern Missouri through northeastern Arkansas and into western Tennessee. This fault system produced a series of massive earthquakes in 1811–1812, some of the largest recorded in U.S. history, and it remains active today.

Most of the earthquake risk in Arkansas is concentrated in the eastern and northeastern parts of the state, particularly the counties bordering the Mississippi River, such as Craighead, Poinsett, Mississippi, Crittenden, and St. Francis. Earthquakes in this zone are felt frequently, though most are too small to cause damage. However, the region is periodically subject to moderate earthquakes—strong enough to be felt widely and potentially crack plaster or damage weak foundations.

Unlike floods or hurricanes, earthquakes are not seasonal. They can strike at any time, day or night, with little or no warning. The risk is constant, but it is not evenly distributed across the state. Central and western Arkansas have lower seismic activity, but small earthquakes have been recorded there as well, including the Enola earthquake swarm near Conway. Even in areas with lower hazard, building practices and local soil conditions can influence how much damage occurs during a quake.

Because Arkansas is in the central U.S., earthquakes here are felt over a much larger area than those in California. The rock of the continental interior transmits seismic waves efficiently, meaning a magnitude 5.0 quake in the NMSZ could be felt hundreds of miles away. This also means that the shaking can last longer and cause more widespread damage to older, unreinforced buildings.

How it affects homes

Ground shaking from an earthquake can affect homes in several ways. The most common types of damage include:

• Cracks in foundations, driveways, and interior walls. Even minor shaking can expose pre-existing weaknesses in masonry or concrete.
• Chimney collapse. Masonry chimneys are especially vulnerable and can topple through roofs or injure people nearby.
• Furniture and appliance tipping. Bookcases, water heaters, and refrigerators can fall, causing injury and blocking exits.
• Gas leaks and fire risk. If a natural gas line is ruptured or an appliance is shifted, a fire can break out after the shaking stops.
• Structural shifting. In older homes without adequate bracing or bolting, the building may slide off its foundation or suffer permanent settling.

In the New Madrid region, many homes are not designed specifically for strong shaking because the hazard is less well-known than in the West. That means the damage from even a moderate earthquake can be worse than expected. Also, soft soil in river valleys can amplify shaking, increasing the chance of damage to homes built on or near the Mississippi alluvial plain.

From an insurance perspective, it is important to know that standard homeowners and renters insurance policies do not cover earthquake damage. If you want financial protection, you must purchase a separate earthquake insurance policy or an endorsement. In Arkansas, earthquake insurance is available through private insurers, but it often carries a separate deductible (typically 5% to 15% of the home's replacement value). Given the moderate risk, some homeowners may decide not to buy it, but those in high-risk areas near the NMSZ should carefully weigh the cost against the potential for a catastrophic quake.

How to prepare your home

There are practical steps you can take to reduce earthquake damage and keep your family safe. Focus on securing the most dangerous items and strengthening the most fragile parts of your home. Many of these tasks are inexpensive and can be done in a weekend.

• Anchor heavy furniture to wall studs, including tall bookcases, cabinets, and entertainment centers. Use brackets or straps made for this purpose.
• Secure your water heater with two metal straps bolted to wall studs. A tipping water heater can cause a gas leak or water damage.
• Install flexible gas connectors on your water heater and any gas appliances. These can flex during shaking instead of breaking.
• Brace or reinforce your chimney if it is made of unreinforced masonry. Have a contractor check it for cracks and reinforce it if needed.
• Check and repair foundation cracks to prevent structural weakness. Small cracks can be sealed; larger ones may require an engineer.
• Secure large appliances like refrigerators and stoves to the wall or floor if possible.
• Store breakables and heavy objects on lower shelves, and use putty or museum wax to keep vases and collectibles in place.
• Know how to shut off your gas and water, and keep a wrench near the shut-off valve.
• Create a family emergency plan with two meeting places, one near your home and one outside your neighborhood.
• Build a disaster supply kit with water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, and important documents. Keep it in an easily accessible place.

During an earthquake, the recommended action is to drop, cover, and hold on until the shaking stops. In most U.S. homes, this means dropping to your hands and knees, covering your head and neck under a sturdy table or desk, and holding on to it. Do not run outside during the shaking; falling debris and glass are more dangerous.

Frequently asked questions

Can earthquakes happen anywhere in Arkansas?

Yes. While the highest risk is concentrated in the New Madrid Seismic Zone along the eastern edge of the state, small earthquakes have been recorded in many parts of Arkansas, including the Enola swarm near Conway. The entire state has some level of earthquake risk, although it is much lower in western Arkansas.

What should I do if an earthquake hits while I am at home?

Drop, cover, and hold on. Get under a sturdy table or desk, cover your head and neck with your arms, and hold onto the furniture until the shaking stops. Stay away from windows, exterior walls, and anything that could fall. Do not go outside until the shaking has fully stopped, and be aware of aftershocks.

Does the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management provide earthquake alerts?

Arkansas Division of Emergency Management works with local and federal agencies to provide hazard information and emergency guidance. While they may issue public alerts for significant events, you should also sign up for local emergency notifications and follow the guidance of your county emergency manager.

Official resources

• Arkansas Division of Emergency Management
• USGS Earthquake Hazards Program
• Ready.gov – Earthquakes
• FEMA Earthquake Safety