Earthquakes risk in Wisconsin

Earthquake Characteristics in Wisconsin

Wisconsin sits in the central United States, far from the major fault lines that produce frequent, large earthquakes on the West Coast. The state is rated level 1 of 5 for earthquake risk by FEMA’s National Risk Index, meaning the expected annual loss and the chance of damaging shaking are very low. According to the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program, earthquakes of magnitude 2.5 or greater are uncommon in Wisconsin, and the state has no active fault lines at its surface.

Most of the seismic activity in Wisconsin is barely perceptible, if it is felt at all. The USGS notes that small tremors can occur anywhere, and Wisconsin has experienced a few minor quakes of magnitude 3.0 or less in its history. These are often the result of ancient bedrock settling or far-off stress, not a sign of ongoing tectonic activity. There are no distinct earthquake seasons, as earthquakes are unpredictable and do not follow weather patterns.

Although the entire state has low exposure, the western and central regions have seen slightly more seismic events in the past, according to the Wisconsin Emergency Management agency. Even so, the level of ground shaking never approaches the intensity needed to cause widespread structural damage. The New Madrid Seismic Zone, which affects states to our south, is too far away to produce more than a faint ripple in Wisconsin.

How it affects homes

Because earthquakes of damaging magnitude are so rare here, most Wisconsin homes will never experience earthquake shaking strong enough to cause cracks or structural issues. The primary impact for homeowners is financial, not physical. Most standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover earthquake damage. If you want protection against that specific risk, you would need to purchase a separate earthquake insurance endorsement. Given the very low risk in Wisconsin, many residents choose to forgo this coverage, but it is available through most major insurers.

Even in a low-risk state, a minor earthquake could knock over unsecured items like bookcases, televisions, or water heaters, causing property damage or personal injury. Older homes with masonry chimneys or foundation issues could be more vulnerable to small tremors, but these are rare events. The FEMA Earthquake Safety page reminds that the cost of retrofitting a home to resist earthquakes is often not justified in areas with very low hazard, yet simple steps like securing heavy furniture are wise for any home.

How to prepare your home

Preparing for an earthquake in Wisconsin is easy and low-cost. Even though the risk is minimal, taking a few precautions can reduce the chance of injury or damage from the occasional tremor.

• Secure tall, heavy furniture such as bookcases, cabinets, and shelves to wall studs using brackets or straps.
• Install latches on kitchen cabinets to prevent items from flying out during shaking.
• Strap your water heater to wall studs to prevent gas leaks and water damage if it topples.
• Use flexible gas supply lines for appliances to reduce the risk of gas leaks during movement.
• Store breakable items and heavy objects on lower shelves or in closed cabinets.
• Ensure your home’s foundation is in good repair – fix any cracks in concrete or masonry to improve overall stability.
• Create a family emergency plan that includes a designated meeting place and an out-of-state contact.
• Build a basic emergency kit with water, food, flashlights, batteries, and a first-aid kit, as recommended by Ready.gov.
• During shaking, practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” – drop to your hands and knees, cover your head and neck (ideally under a sturdy table), and hold on until the shaking stops.

These steps are simple, and many overlap with general emergency preparedness. The Ready.gov website has detailed guidance on earthquake safety and family planning.

Frequently asked questions

Can a large earthquake happen in Wisconsin?

The probability of a large, damaging earthquake in Wisconsin is extremely low. There are no known active faults in the state, and the most recent significant earthquake nearby occurred in the Wabash Valley seismic zone, hundreds of miles away. The USGS assigns Wisconsin a low hazard rating, and scientists see no indication that a major quake is possible here in the near future.

Does my homeowners insurance cover earthquake damage?

Standard homeowners insurance policies in Wisconsin do not cover earthquake damage. To be protected, you would need to purchase a separate earthquake insurance endorsement or a standalone policy. Because the risk is low, this coverage may not be a priority for many homeowners, but it is available if you want peace of mind.

What should I do if I feel an earthquake in Wisconsin?

If you feel shaking, practice the same safety steps recommended everywhere: drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on until the shaking stops. If you are outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings, trees, and power lines. After the shaking ends, check for gas leaks, fires, and injuries, and listen to local emergency information for instructions.

Official resources

• Wisconsin Emergency Management
• USGS Earthquake Hazards Program
• Ready.gov – Earthquakes
• FEMA Earthquake Safety