We are all feeling the pinch of higher prices at the grocery store as well as the gas station. If you are thinking of growing some of your own fruits and vegetables this summer, but you don't have a lot of experience, Extension can help. Our office has a wealth of materials available on everything from beans to watermelon. We have information on growing the product, purchasing it at a local Farmers' Market or the grocery store, preparing it, and preserving it. Gardening also provides the added benefit of healthy exercise. So why not give it a try?

Illinois, Earthquakes and Home Protection

A major earthquake in Illinois is something most people do not worry about. Floods, tornadoes and other natural disasters that frequently occur in the state are given more attention. Earthquakes are something most people associate with the West Coast.

What are the chances of a powerful earthquake happening in the Midwest? According to many scientists, it's about a 9 in 10 chance within the next 50 years because of a region in the bootheel of Missouri where huge geologic forces are at work.

A series of huge earthquakes, centered around the New Madrid area, occurred during 1811 and 1812. While the area was sparsely populated, the energy created by one of the quakes was enough to make church bells ring in Boston and changed the course of the Mississippi River. Sensitive equipment has recorded hundreds of small quakes during the last few decades.

How would a major earthquake affect Illinois? Duane Friend, University of Illinois Extension natural resources educator, says those closer to the origin would see and feel more damage. People living anywhere south of a St. Louis to Terre Haute line could experience widespread damage. In addition, those living in the Illinois and Mississippi river valleys could see damage extending farther north, since earthquake energy could easily travel through these areas. Central and northern regions of the state could experience moderate damage, depending on the strength of the earthquake.

Friend says there are several things that can be done to minimize earthquake damage in the home. Anchor free-standing bookcases, cabinets and appliances to walls. Secure ceiling lights, suspended ceilings and lights to the permanent structure of your house. Water heaters should be secured to a nearby wall. All gas appliances should be fitted with flexible connections and a breakaway shutoff device. Unreinforced masonry chimneys and concrete walls should be braced. Anchor bolts or steel plates can be added between the home and foundation. In addition, houses with cripple walls, a short wall between the top of the foundation and first floor, should be braced with sheathing.

If you are indoors during an earthquake, drop to the floor, take cover under a desk or table, and hold onto it while the earthquake is taking place. Protect yourself from falling objects.

In outdoor situations, try to get to an open area as quickly and safely as possible. Drop to the ground until the quake has subsided. If driving, carefully pull to the side of the road, staying away from bridges, overpasses, power lines or other falling hazards. Stay inside the vehicle, below window level.

After an earthquake, check your home for possible electrical shorts and gas or water leaks. Contact your local electric cooperative, water or gas company if leaks are present. Obey evacuation orders from local authorities and be prepared for aftershocks—some of which could be almost as strong as the initial quake.

For more information on Illinois and earthquakes, visit the Illinois State Geological Survey at www.isgs.uiuc.edu.