An Oklahoma lawmaker says he plans to file legislation to require Oklahoma schools to have written plans and procedures for dealing with earthquakes.
Democratic Rep. Mike Shelton of Oklahoma City said Monday the training is vital to protect students, faculty, staff and visitors from earthquakes. Shelton says the bill is similar to one he filed in 2012 that died in a Republican-controlled House committee.
Shelton says the state has experienced a sharp rise in earthquakes in central and northern Oklahoma, where thousands of students attend public schools. And, Shelton says, earthquakes in the region are growing in frequency and intensity.
The U.S. Geological Survey counted 585 quakes in Oklahoma of magnitude 3 or greater last year. By noon Monday, the USGShad logged 544 temblors of magnitude 3 or greater.
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