Editor’s Note: This guest blog post was written by Kevin Farris, ORAU Health Sciences, Public Health, and Healthcare Manager, in recognition of Preparedness Month that occurs every September. ORAU is focused on offering experience and capabilities in preparedness planning.
Nestled in the northwest corner of Tennessee, Reelfoot Lake is a serene and picturesque destination, perfect for a family getaway. But beneath its tranquil surface lies a dramatic history that ties directly to the earthquake preparedness work of ORAU and our collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP).
The Formation of Reelfoot Lake
The state of Tennessee is situated along two major seismic zones: the New Madrid seismic zone in West Tennessee and the East Tennessee seismic zone. Reelfoot Lake was born out of a series of powerful earthquakes that struck the Western region in the early 19th century. Known as the New Madrid earthquakes, these seismic events were so intense that they caused the Mississippi River to flow backward, filling the newly formed basin and creating the lake. (There’s a book in the Library of Congress that confirms this is scientific!) This natural wonder, with its cypress trees and abundant wildlife, stands today as a testament to the earth’s dynamic forces.
Excerpt from the 1912 New Madrid Earthquake U.S. Geological Survey, Department of Interior. Link: https://pubs.usgs.gov/bul/0494/report.pdf
Family Visits to Reelfoot Lake
Growing up, my family spent many summer vacations at Reelfoot Lake visiting my great uncle George. He was an avid outdoorsman and historian. Visiting him was a joy of my childhood. Perhaps because he made sure that our journey was not only about enjoying the scenic beauty and roadside attractions but also about connecting with and understanding the lake’s unique history.
We were fascinated by the powerful stories Uncle George told of how the lake was formed and how we should always stay vigilant in nature. We spent our days fishing, bird watching, and exploring the majestic swamps—all while marveling at the thought that this peaceful place was once the epicenter of such violent geological activity.
Photo of Reelfoot Lake, Credit: tnstateparks.com/parks/reelfoot-lake
This experience not only led me to a career in emergency preparedness (and earthquake preparedness!), but also inspired my father to charter the Benton County, Tenn., Rescue Squad in his hometown in 1969. This organization provides rescue assistance during vehicle and boat accidents, fires and natural disasters.
Connecting the Past to the Present
The memories of our trips to Reelfoot Lake have surprisingly made me reflect on ORAU’s work with FEMA. Driven by a commitment to earthquake preparedness and community resilience, our efforts reshape how communities respond to seismic events, much like the New Madrid earthquakes reshaped the land.
At ORAU, we are enthusiastic about this collaboration with FEMA because it leverages our extensive capabilities and strategic partnerships to support NEHRP’s goals. Our focus begins with increasing the knowledge base of the earthquake professional community by conducting a survey-supported landscape analysis and establishing a Seismic Community Advisory Committee to better support the next generation of earthquake preparedness and response experts.
To set ourselves apart, we are collaborating with our university consortium to identify institutions with expertise in seismology and earthquake risk mitigation, including minority institutions. As such, we have identified the world-class Center for Earthquake Research and Information (CERI) at the University of Memphis (which is 100 miles from Reelfoot Lake) to support as our key consultant.
According to our ORAU project director Jennifer Burnette, “ORAU’s ability to engage a diverse group of technical community experts, facilities and earthquake emergency management programs support meaningful outcomes in the near term and assists FEMA with informed recommendations for the future.”
A Call to Action
The stories of the past, like the formation of Reelfoot Lake, serve as powerful reminders of why we must continue to strive for better preparedness and resilience. Visiting Reelfoot Lake was more than just a family vacation. It was a journey through history that highlighted the critical importance of earthquake hazard reduction because we know our environment can change with little warning.
At ORAU, we are proud to begin a new era in 2024 with FEMA and NEHRP, leveraging our expertise to make communities safer and more resilient. Together, we can ensure that the lessons of the past inform our actions today, creating a safer future.
Uncle George would be proud!
For more information visit:
National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program | FEMA.gov
The Center for Earthquake Research and Information | The University of Memphis
Reelfoot Lake State Park | Tennessee State Parks