How to Stay Safe During Earthquakes in the Southeast U.S.

Recent seismic activity in the Southeast, including earthquakes in Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina, has raised concerns among residents. If you’ve searched for terms like “earthquake today,” “Tennessee earthquake,” “Atlanta earthquake,” or “earthquake near me,” you’re not alone. Here’s what you need to know about recent quakes and how to stay prepared.

Recent Earthquakes in the Southeast

Tennessee Earthquakes

• A 4.1 magnitude earthquake near Greenback, TN, shook East Tennessee on May 10, 2025, with tremors felt in Knoxville, Maryville, and Chattanooga.
• Residents reported light shaking, but no major damage was reported.
• The USGS confirmed this was one of several minor quakes in the region this year.

Georgia Earthquakes

• Atlanta and North Georgia experienced tremors from the Tennessee quake, leading to searches like “earthquake Georgia today” and “was there an earthquake in Georgia?”
• While Georgia isn’t a high-risk zone, seismic activity from neighboring states can be felt.

North Carolina Earthquakes

• Cities like Asheville, Murphy, and Charlotte reported tremors, with some residents asking, “Did I just feel an earthquake?”
• The 3.5 magnitude quake near the Blue Ridge Mountains was minor but noticeable.

Why Are Earthquakes Happening Here?

The Southeast U.S. sits near the East Tennessee Seismic Zone and the South Carolina Seismic Zone, both capable of producing moderate quakes. While less frequent than West Coast quakes, they can still be felt across multiple states.

How to Prepare for an Earthquake

1. Drop, Cover, and Hold On – If you feel shaking, protect yourself under a sturdy table.
2. Secure Heavy Furniture – Anchor bookshelves and TVs to prevent tipping.
3. Have an Emergency Kit – Include water, food, a flashlight, and first aid supplies.
4. Check for Structural Risks – If you live in an older building, consider a seismic retrofit.
5. Stay Informed – Follow updates from USGS (usgs.gov) and local news.

Did You Feel the Earthquake?

If you felt shaking, report it to the USGS “Did You Feel It?” tool to help scientists track seismic activity.

Final Thoughts

While earthquakes in the Southeast are usually minor, being prepared is key. Stay alert for aftershocks and monitor earthquake today updates from reliable sources like USGS, WBIR, and local news stations.

For real-time earthquake tracking, visit USGS Earthquake Map.

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