NACOGDOCHES

UNIFIED EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER

COUNTY OF NACOGDOCHES * CITY OF NACOGDOCHES

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                    CONTACT: Sgt. Greg Sowell, N.P.D.

May 10, 2012 2:00 PM CDT                                                 936.559.2618

Earthquake Release # 2                                                        sowellg@ci.nacogdoches.tx.us

UPDATE ON NACOGDOCHES COUNTY RESPONSE TO EARTHQUAKE IN SHELBY COUNTY

(Nacogdoches, Tx) The Nacogdoches County Unified Operations Center continues to operate on a limited scale to address issues related to this morning’s earthquake that was felt in northeastern Nacogdoches County.

County Judge Joe English reported that he has been in contact with Dr. Wesley Brown, a seismologist with Stephen F. Austin State University. Dr. Brown is acting as an informational resource in this response operation.

The Texas Department of Transportation crews are checking the structural integrity of bridges on state and federal highways in the area. Nacogdoches County Road and Bridge Department staff is checking bridges on county roads.

Officials from Union Pacific Railroad are checking railroad tracks and bridges in the area for safety.

The National Resource Conservation Service is sending officials from Waco to check the dam at Lake Naconiche. 

As of this release, no damage or injuries have been reported or located within Nacogdoches County.

-MORE-

According to the USGS, earthquakes occurred in eastern Texas in 1957 and 1964.  These earthquakes ranged in magnitude from 3.4 to 4.4. Damage was minimal.

The public is advised that aftershocks from this morning’s earthquake could be felt over the next few days. These aftershocks are usually less violent than the main earthquake but can be strong enough to do damage. Aftershocks can occur hours, days, weeks or even months after the initial earthquake.

 Nacogdoches Unified Emergency Management offers the following safety information for earthquakes:

During an earthquake:

·        If inside, take cover under a strong desk, table or bench.

·        Stay away from glass, windows and outside walls.

·        If in bed, stay in bed and cover your head with a pillow.

·        Stay inside until the shaking stops.

·        Do not use elevators.

·        If in a car, stop the car in an open area NEVER UNDER A BRIDGE!

After an earthquake:

·        Look around and make sure it is safe to exit the building

·        Look for and extinguish small fires.

·        Stay away from damaged areas.

·        Inspect utilities

·        Check for gas leaks.

·        Check for electrical system damage.

·        Check for water and sewer line damage.

·        Check chimneys.

More information is available at www.ready.gov/earthquakes .

-30-