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Proximity to New Madrid fault means Louisville homes, businesses should be insured for earthquakes

Though Louisville has never been the epicenter of an earthquake, that doesn't mean those living in the area should ignore the possibility of a big one coming and causing major damage to homes and businesses.

That's the message delivered by emergency-planning professionals and those selling insurance in the state.

Instead, they say, buying earthquake coverage should be something that is considered when purchasing property insurance because Louisville is situated near the New Madrid fault, which roughly follows the Mississippi River and borders Kentucky, Missouri, Illinois, Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi.

Three powerful earthquakes shook the region near New Madrid, Mo., in the winter of 1811-12, causing landslides and disrupting river commerce but no major quakes have been felt since.

Related Links

  • New Theory Helps Explain 19th Century's Puzzling Earthquakes in Central U.S.
  • Read entire article at http://www.bizjournals.com/