Earthquakes risk in Maryland

Earthquake Risk in Maryland: What Homeowners Should Know

Maryland is rated Level 1 on FEMA's National Risk Index for earthquakes, signifying a

very low hazard compared with most other states. The state lies far from active plate boundaries, but it

does experience occasional minor tremors. These are typically caused by old, deeply buried faults common

throughout the eastern United States. Most recorded earthquakes in Maryland are magnitude 2–3 and go

unnoticed by residents. Strong shaking capable of causing structural damage is extremely rare, but not

impossible.

Geographically, the western part of Maryland — including Frederick, Washington, and

Garrett counties — is slightly more exposed than the rest of the state. This area sits closer to the

remnants of ancient mountain-building zones, such as the Blue Ridge and the Appalachian Mountains, which

contain faults that occasionally slip. Still, even in western Maryland, the seismic hazard falls far below

the levels seen in California, Alaska, or the New Madrid region of the central United States.

There is no earthquake season in Maryland. Unlike hurricanes or tornadoes, earthquakes

do not follow a calendar or weather pattern. They can strike at any time, but the probability of a damaging

event in any given year is minuscule. The Maryland Department of Emergency Management and USGS continuously

monitor seismic activity, allowing for timely alerts if any unusual shaking is detected.

How It Affects Homes

Because earthquake risk is low, most homes in Maryland are not built with earthquake-resistant

construction techniques. Fortunately, the types of quakes that occur here are unlikely to cause

major structural failure. Instead, the most common effects are non-structural damage: toppled

bookshelves, fallen chimneys, cracked drywall, and broken glass. A moderate quake centered near a

populated area could produce scattered damage, but widespread destruction is not expected.

Older homes with unreinforced masonry foundations or chimneys can be more vulnerable. If

bricks or stones are not tied together with steel reinforcement, a sharp jolt could cause cracks or partial

collapse. Homes bolted to their foundations and built with frame construction generally fare well during

minor tremors. The main risk to occupants comes from falling items, not from the building itself.

Regarding insurance, standard homeowners policies in Maryland do not cover earthquake damage.

A separate earthquake endorsement is available from most insurers. Given the low hazard, it is often

overlooked, but it may be worth considering if you own a historic home, have a masonry structure, or simply

want maximum protection. Keep in mind that deductibles for earthquake policies typically run 10–20% of the

insured value, so you should evaluate the cost-benefit with your agent.

How to Prepare Your Home

Even in a low-risk state, simple steps can make your home safer and reduce the chance of injury or damage

during a minor quake. Use this list as a starting point:

• Secure heavy furniture. Anchor bookshelves, entertainment centers, cabinets, and
• appliances to wall studs with brackets or straps.
• Install latches on kitchen cabinets to keep dishes and glassware from falling out during
• shaking.
• Bolt the water heater to the wall with metal straps to prevent it from tipping over and
• causing a gas leak or fire.
• Store breakables such as vases, jars, and picture frames in low, closed cabinets.
• Attach flexible gas connections and learn how to shut off the natural gas supply. Keep a
• wrench near the shutoff valve.
• Make a family emergency plan with meeting points and out-of-state contact information.
• Assemble an emergency kit with water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, and a
• first aid kit.
• Practice drop, cover, and hold on drills with your household so everyone knows what to do.
• Have professionals inspect your foundation and chimney if you live in an older home, and
• address any cracks or weaknesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Maryland get earthquakes?

Yes, but they are infrequent and usually very small. The USGS records minor tremors across the state

periodically, but most are magnitude 2–3 and cause no damage. The largest shaking felt in Maryland often

originates from earthquakes centered in Virginia, West Virginia, or Pennsylvania that are felt statewide. For

example, the 2011 magnitude 5.8 earthquake in central Virginia was felt throughout Maryland, but did not

cause widespread structural damage here.

Is earthquake insurance necessary in Maryland?

Since Maryland's risk is classified as level 1 of 5 — the lowest level — earthquake insurance is

generally not necessary for most homeowners. Standard policies exclude earthquake coverage, so if you want

protection, you must add a separate endorsement. For most properties, the low likelihood of damage makes the

additional cost hard to justify. However, if you own an older, unreinforced masonry home or have valuable

contents, talk to your insurance agent about the cost of a standalone policy or endorsement.

What should I do during an earthquake?

The safest response, according to Ready.gov, is to drop, cover, and hold on. Drop to your

hands and knees, cover your head and neck with your arms or a sturdy table, and hold on until shaking

stops. Stay indoors and away from windows, exterior walls, and heavy objects that could fall. If you are

outside, move to an open area away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires. Do not run outside

during the shaking, as falling debris and glass are dangerous.

Official Resources

• Maryland Department of Emergency Management
• USGS Earthquake Hazards Program
• Ready.gov – Earthquakes
• FEMA Earthquake Safety