May 7, 2008

Governor Rod Blagojevich has announced the creation of the Illinois Seismic Safety Task Force (SSTF) to enhance earthquake mitigation measures in the state so homeowners and business-owners have the protections they need if a damaging earthquake strikes, and buildings and other infrastructure are prepared to withstand seismic activity. The Seismic Safety Task Force will assess the adequacy of existing earthquake mitigation strategies, particularly of those in high-risk areas along fault lines in the southern portion of the state. The task force will provide the Governor with formal recommendations to further enhanced preparedness.

On April 18 at 4:37 a.m., a 5.2 magnitude earthquake was reported in Wabash County in southeastern Illinois, with shaking felt throughout Illinois. The state experienced 29 aftershocks measuring as high as magnitude 4.6. Damage from the incident was mostly minor.

The SSTF, which will be co-chaired by Michael McRaith, Director of the Illinois Division of Insurance, and Andrew Velasquez III, Director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, will find better ways to monitor seismic events and to limit the damage that results from an earthquake. The taskforce will identify ways to enhance protections for home- and business-owners who need earthquake insurance and determine the best way to make all forms of building structures stronger and more durable. It will be charged with establishing high-risk zones to further secure roads, bridges and buildings, including critical infrastructures such as hospitals, fire stations, police departments, schools and highway bridges. The SSTF will also work with local and national authorities who have implemented effective best-practices. The SSTF will meet for the first time in June 2008.