If an earthquake were to hit Bowling Green, would you be prepared?

Local geology professors at WKU and emergency responders want to make sure you know what to do after an earthquake strikes.

"There really is no warning for an earthquake, it's just going to happen," says Brian Geringswald, the Deputy Director of Emergency Management.

"Because the plates are always shifting, that's primarily the cause of the earthquakes that we see," added Andrew Wulff, an Associate Geology Professor at WKU.

The fault lines across Kentucky show the impact an earthquake could potentially have.

Experts say it's important to know where your utilities are so that you can turn off your water, gas, and electric lines to prevent a fire or explosion right after the tremor.

"Most houses have a meter on the side of the house and a lot of times, they can take a wrench and turn it off with a wrench, whether it be a crescent wrench or piper wrench, or a pair of pliers, typically, there's a valve on there that they can turn and will shut the gas off," says Geringswald.

"90 percent of the damage done in an earthquake is not by the Earth swallowing you up, but actually by fire from a ruptured gas line," says Wulff.

They also have tips to prevent your water heater from falling over and leaking boiling hot water once a tremor starts.

"They can strap their water heaters to the wall and that can keep it from possibly turning over," says Geringswald.

When you're done inspecting your home, you should get out if necessary and have a designated area to meet your family in case you get displaced.

"Once the shaking stops, just get out because there are aftermaths, you could have another, little small earthquake," says Geringswald.

Emergency responders say the most important thing is to be prepared.