Prepare for an earthquake and hope you never need to use it

We're used to seeing images of earthquakes in Italy, Indonesia and other places in the world that aren't where we live.  Unfortunately, we live in an area that is way overdue for a big shaking.  Under our feet is the New Madrid Fault Zone and there is a good possibility that it will do absolutely nothing during your lifetime and mine.  Or, someday, we could all get a terrible surprise that unfortunately will give us virtually no warning it's coming.

The last time the New Madrid really let go was back in 1811 and 1812 and the quake was so severe, it caused the river to flow backwards for a period of time.  Last time I checked, that would be a very bad thing.

Do yourself a favor and at least mentally know what you would do if a major earthquake would strike this area.  The University of Memphis has a helpful website with a checklist of ways to survive a major earthquake.  They would know since any New Madrid earthquake would rattle their teeth before ours.

I hope any preparation you do will never be needed.  But, to me anyway, the old saying holds true "an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure".