New Jersey is fortunate to be situated in a region that is relatively stable, geologically.
For this reason scientists believe, on the basis of the best scientific evidence available, that the
chances of New Jersey experiencing a major earthquake are very small. The last major earthquake
on the east coast occurred at Charleston, S. C., in 1886. Minor shocks have been felt in New Jersey,
however, from time to time. Reports of dishes being rattled or even of plaster in buildings being
cracked are not uncommon. These minor disturbances are generally restricted to relatively small
areas.