Dallas/Irving area included in new USGS Seismic Hazard Model

A new U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) report has been released that estimates the chance of strong ground shaking from earthquakes in the Dallas/Irving area this year.

The 1-Year (2016) Seismic Hazard Model is a supplement to the long-standing USGS National Seismic Hazard Model, but the new report forecasts ground shaking for a single year. Like the USGS National Seismic Hazard Model, the new model estimates where, how often, and how strongly earthquakes ground shaking could occur around the U.S.

Dallas/Irving is one of several areas that have experienced an increased rate of earthquakes and seismic hazard compared to the 2014 USGS National Seismic Hazard Model. USGS has been working with a Dallas/Irving Earthquake Working Group for the past year.

“As Emergency Managers, we have prepared and are continuously preparing for earthquakes as we would any other hazard,” said Office of Emergency Management Director Rocky Vaz. “We continue to review our plans and procedures to ensure we can respond effectively to protect life, property and the environment.”

The (2016 Seismic Hazard Model is not a predictor of earthquakes. The most important thing for citizens is to understand the risks and threats posed by hazards and the importance of being prepared for any emergency event.

For more information on earthquake preparedness and earthquake safety visit www.ready.gov/earthquakes.