Rescue efforts continue in Afghanistan after a powerful earthquake Sunday killed up to a thousand people. The tragedy is a reminder that Knox County also faces natural disaster risks, including earthquakes.

Local Emergency Management officials say they routinely update hazard plans using federal guidelines. Those plans cover flooding, severe weather, tornadoes, hazardous materials incidents—and earthquakes.

Knox County Emergency Management Deputy Director Jim Evans says their office has recently updated its earthquake response strategy. “Right now we’ve completed the current review of our earthquake mitigation plan. We take a template that’s given to us by the state or by FEMA, and then we tailor that to our specific needs.” he said.

Officials note that Knox County sits near both the New Madrid fault and the Wabash Valley fault, which are capable of producing major earthquakes. To keep residents informed, the county uses Code Red alerts, social media, and 24 outdoor warning sirens placed throughout the area.

Emergency leaders stress that while natural disasters can’t always be predicted, preparation and communication are key to saving lives.

For more on local Emergency Management, watch the latest episode of First City Focus.