Although recent earthquakes seem to have died down in Connecticut, there is no reason to be unprepared if they were to start again.

Since Jan. 8, Connecticut has experienced 11 earthquakes, the last one being on Jan. 15. The epicenter of the quakes has been in Danielson, and due to its proximity to the Rhode Island border some Ocean State residents have felt small tremors in the quakes’ aftermath.

Alex Ambrosius of the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency said that Connecticut is experiencing a “swarm” of earthquakes, “a burst in rapid succession.” This is not the first such swarm New England has seen. At the end of 2006 until the beginning of 2007, Maine had nearly 40 minor quakes.

Although New England is not located on any major fault lines, old, supposedly inactive fault lines can build up stress over time and release that energy in the form of earthquakes, as seen in Connecticut. For Danielson, it is believed the tremors are from the ancient Lake Char-Honey Hill fault line.

“Our faults though are shallow compared to those in California; that’s why we aren’t experiencing massive earthquakes,” Ambrosius said. “The highest recorded one so far was a 3.3 magnitude last Monday. Anything under a 5.0 shouldn’t cause structural damage.”

According to Ambrosius, there is little chance that these same earthquakes would move or expand to affect the greater Rhode Island area. That, however, should not mean people do not be prepared.

“Because earthquakes are so rare in this area, it can be very hard to predict if, when and where an earthquake could happen,” he said. “The safest thing is to be ready should something happen.”

He suggested residents make sure shelves and tall furniture is safely secured to a wall. Also, heavy frames or other decorations should not be hung above beds or couches where they could fall onto someone.

Families should discuss safety plans and where to take cover during the tremors of an earthquake, either under a sturdy desk or table or against an inside wall.

Most importantly, all faulty gas lines and electrical wires should be professionally repaired in the case of an earthquake.

For more information on earthquakes and preparedness tips, visit the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency’s website at www.ri.ema.ri.gov.