Earthquakes risk in Vermont

Earthquake characteristics in Vermont

Vermont is not located on a tectonic plate boundary like California, but it still experiences earthquakes. The northeastern United States has a history of moderate seismic activity, and Vermont lies within a region where ancient faults and other stresses can produce shaking. According to the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program, the entire state has a non-zero chance of experiencing damaging earthquakes, though the hazard is lower than in high-risk states such as Alaska or California.

Earthquakes in Vermont and the surrounding region tend to be smaller and less frequent, but they can still be felt widely because the Earth's crust in the East is older and more rigid, allowing seismic waves to travel farther. A notable example is the magnitude 5.1 earthquake near Au Sable Forks, New York, in 2002, which was felt across Vermont and caused minor damage. Smaller earthquakes occur each year in Vermont, most too weak to be noticed.

The most exposed areas within Vermont are generally the northern and western counties, which are closer to known seismic zones in the Adirondacks and the St. Lawrence Valley. However, no part of the state is immune; shaking can be felt anywhere. Unlike hazards such as floods or winter storms, earthquakes have no season—they can happen at any time of year.

How it affects homes

Earthquake shaking can damage homes in several ways. Common effects include cracks in foundations, walls, and ceilings; chimneys toppling or cracking; and unsecured items such as water heaters, bookshelves, and televisions falling over. In Vermont, many homes are older, often built before modern building codes. Unreinforced masonry, stone foundations, and cripple walls (the short wooden walls between the foundation and the first floor) are particularly vulnerable.

Even moderate shaking can cause costly damage, especially to chimneys and brick veneers. That is why mitigation—retrofitting and securing your home—matters. The FEMA Earthquake Safety page offers guidance on reducing risk.

On the insurance side, standard homeowners policies in Vermont typically do not cover earthquake damage. You usually need to buy a separate earthquake insurance policy or add an endorsement. Because Vermont's risk is moderate, some homeowners may choose to skip this coverage, but it's worth discussing with your insurance agent. FEMA and Vermont Emergency Management recommend considering earthquake insurance if you live in an area with any measurable risk. Check with your provider about deductibles and what is covered.

How to prepare your home

Taking steps before an earthquake can reduce damage and keep your family safer. Here are concrete actions you can take:

• Secure heavy furniture and appliances: Anchor bookcases, cabinets, televisions, and water heaters to wall studs using straps, brackets, or flexible fasteners.
• Retrofit your foundation: If your home has a raised foundation, consider bolting the sill plate to the foundation and bracing cripple walls with plywood. This is a job for a licensed contractor.
• Reinforce chimneys: Older masonry chimneys can collapse. Have a professional evaluate yours; options include reinforcing with steel, rebuilding with reinforced masonry, or replacing with a flexible metal flue.
• Install flexible gas connectors and an automatic gas shut-off valve: These can prevent fires after an earthquake. A plumber can install them.
• Secure items on shelves and walls: Use museum putty, closed hooks, or cabinet latches. Store heavy items on lower shelves.
• Create a disaster kit: Include water, non-perishable food, medications, a flashlight, batteries, a first-aid kit, and copies of important documents. Keep it accessible.
• Practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On: Teach everyone in your household to drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on until shaking stops. See Ready.gov – Earthquakes for details.
• Consider earthquake insurance: Review your policy and talk to your agent about whether a separate earthquake policy makes sense for your home.

For local guidance and preparedness resources, visit Vermont Emergency Management.

Frequently asked questions

Does Vermont actually have earthquakes?

Yes. Vermont experiences small earthquakes every year, though most are too weak to be felt. The region has also felt moderate earthquakes centered nearby, such as the 2002 Au Sable Forks event in New York. The USGS continually monitors and reports seismic activity in the Northeast, and the possibility of a damaging earthquake, while lower than in the West, is real.

Is earthquake damage covered by my homeowners insurance in Vermont?

Typically, no. Standard homeowners insurance policies exclude earthquake damage. To be covered, you generally need to purchase a separate earthquake policy or add an endorsement. Because Vermont's risk is moderate, coverage may be more affordable than in high-risk states, but you should check with your insurance agent to understand your options and deductibles.

What should I do during an earthquake in Vermont?

If you feel shaking, Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Get down on your hands and knees, cover your head and neck under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on until the shaking stops. If you are outdoors, move away from buildings, streetlights, and power lines. After the shaking stops, check for injuries and damage, and be prepared for aftershocks. Ready.gov provides detailed guidance for before, during, and after an earthquake.

Official resources

• Vermont Emergency Management – State agency for emergency preparedness and response.
• USGS Earthquake Hazards Program – Science and monitoring for earthquakes nationwide.
• Ready.gov – Earthquakes – Federal preparedness guidance for earthquakes.
• FEMA Earthquake Safety – Risk management and safety information from FEMA.