The earthquakes in OK are related to the fracking being done there

CP . . . that's a bit of a controversy in these parts. Definitely think the disposal wells might have an impact but fracking has been going on here for many years. The volume of earthquakes around here is insane but they are normally not as intense as what we had over the weekend. Even more frightening is the fact that the vast majority of people in these parts DON'T have earthquake insurance and it can be incredibly hard to get when you never get a break from the quakes. I think we have to have so many earthquake-free days before you can get earthquake insurance and Oklahoma has several small quakes recorded daily.

Wasn't that crazy?? We are about 100 miles south of the epicenter. No damage thankfully.

And according to USGS, the incidence of quakes has risen dramatically.

"Within the central and eastern United States, the number of earthquakes has increased dramatically over the past few years. Between the years 1973–2008, there was an average of 21 earthquakes of magnitude three and larger in the central and eastern United States. This rate jumped to an average of 99 M3+ earthquakes per year in 2009–2013, and the rate continues to rise. In 2014, alone, there were 659 M3 and larger earthquakes. Most of these earthquakes are in the magnitude 3–4 range, large enough to have been felt by many people, yet small enough to rarely cause damage. There were reports of damage from some of the larger events, including the M5.6 Prague, Oklahoma earthquake and the M5.3 Trinidad, Colorado earthquake."

Links

OK orders shutdown of 37 wells

Seriously though, please stay safe. My guess is that your homes haven't been earthquake retrofitted either? Very worrisome.

No earthquake retrofitting here! Definitely scary. Lots of talk here about the governor ordering the disposal wells shut down. It will be interesting to see what sort of impact, if any, that has. I will be happy if that's the last one I experience.

jenfbc - I'm west of Tulsa. Where are you?

Outside the little community of Byng, OK. I lived west of Tulsa in the town of Mannford until I was six years old.

We just moved into our newly built home about 2 weeks ago. I was able to secure earthquake insurance, but the deductible is pretty high. I sure hope we never have to use it.

Where did you get insurance, jenfbc?

I was in downtown Dallas and could feel this quake. It was bizarre!

My cousin in Fayetteville Arkansas said it woke her up early Sat morning, but thankfully, no apparent damage. Earthquake insurance has enormous deductibles so for many it's of little value.

Well, thank goodness we have the safe room installed. Hopefully that would provide us a little protection from falling debris! If I didn't love this state so much, I would probably pack up and go. BUT . . . I'm an Okie for life!