Serving the Citizens of Jefferson County, Alabama Hazards: Earthquake An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the Earth caused by the breaking and shifting of rock beneath the Earth's surface. This shaking can cause buildings and bridges to collapse; disrupt gas, electric, and phone service; and sometimes trigger landslides, avalanches, flash floods, fires, and huge, destructive ocean waves (tsunamis). Buildings with foundations resting on unconsolidated landfill, old waterways, or other unstable soil are most at risk. Buildings or trailers and manufactured homes not tied to a reinforced foundation anchored to the ground are also at risk since they can be shaken off their mountings during an earthquake. Earthquakes can occur at any time of the year. For more information, visit: www.fema.gov/hazards/earthquakes/. Other Hazards: • Thunderstorms • Lightning • Tornadoes • Hurricanes • Floods • Extreme Heat • Winter • Fire • Nuclear • Terrorism Website maintained by the Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency, Birmingham, Alabama