Yes, it is a little strange to hear Illinois and earthquake used together. It is even stranger to see all the press time this got in the Rockford media being that we are located 300 miles north of the epicenter of West Salem. The TV stations immediately took the roads to interview Rockfordians about their earthquake experience. Most people were in bed and didn't notice. Others had elaborate stories of their pets sensing it and warning them before the big tremor.

While there was some damage (it was officially 5.2 on the Richter Scale) to buildings nearer to the epicenter, we were only.....shook up. I did wake up about 4:40 for some unknown reason. However, at my age that can be the norm. I really don't remember feeling the bed shake...dogs barking...animals fleeing the woods.

I think that Rockford schools need to immediately implement an education program on earthquake preparedness. After all, I remember sitting in the Coachman Inn Sept 15, 1972 when the 5.0 centered in nearby Dixon did rock our buildings. The band stopped playing as it sounded like someone ran into the restaurant/lounge. After they checked outside...life went on. Now I have come up close and personal with a hurricane (1965), tornado (2008) &....earthquake (1972 & 2008).