As doomsday reportedly approaches, people need to remember one thing about the predicted earthquake for Monday.

There’s a 50-50 shot it will or won’t happen.

Those people concerned about the quake are taking the right step. The possible quake’s newfound publicity has helped others to realize the volatile world we naturally live in.

But anything more than concern is overkill. Awareness is great. Panicking is silly.

And that’s what is happening.

Iben Browning, a climatologist, is the one who said gravitational forces will be such in the first week or December that there’s a 50-percent chance of a major earthquake on the New Madrid Fault. The fault is centered in Missouri and extends into the southern tip of Illinois.

Then again, there’s a 50 percent chance it won’t. That’s why the hysteria is uncalled for. If you flip a coin, the accuracy in which you predict which side would land up is the same accuracy as Brown is looking at.

Scientist disputing Browning’s claims haven’t quelled the fear. Earthquake insurance is booming along the fault. Schools are closing for the fateful day. Families are planning on taking trips for the entire weekend.

All of these actions are absurd. One only needs to be prepared. And that might not even be enough when the quake hits – if ever.

So relax. The only thing that you really can do is to secure your belongings. But expecting an earthshaking experience on Monday is setting yourself up for a fall.