Join the Great Shakeout Earthquake Drill April 28th at 10:15 AM

Charleston is a unique place for many reasons, but one that most people don’t realize relates to its geographic position within the United States.  I haven’t done extensive research to verify this, but I believe Charleston is the single city in the United States that faces a significant threat from both hurricanes and earthquakes.  We know that the seismic zone along the Ashley River up to Summerville is one of the most active zones East of the Mississippi, and was the site of the most devastating earthquake East of the Mississippi in 1886.  While we all tend to dust off our hurricane plans annually each Summer, we don’t spend nearly enough time practicing our earthquake plans. 

Next Thursday, April 28, provides a great opportunity to do just that.  The Great Shakeout Drill will take place at 10:15 AM on April 28 with more than 2.5 million people participating in eleven states.  This drill is designed for all businesses, organizations, communities, schools, and individuals to participate.  Visit the website www.shakeout.org/centralus for details on the drill, how to participate, and to see who else is participating in South Carolina. 

The most important part of the drill is simulating the 60 seconds (the approximate duration of the 1886 earthquake) of a major quake.  At 10:15 AM on April 28 everyone should follow the basic earthquake safety procedure: Drop, Cover, and Hold On.  Do not run outside.  Do not run around between rooms, floors, or buildings looking for the safest location.   Wherever you happen to be at 10:15 AM, find a sturdy piece of furniture, get underneath it as much as possible, and hold on to it for 60 seconds.  During a real earthquake this simple procedure could save your life. 

For more details on this procedure and how to protect your business, family, schools, and children during an earthquake, check out the great resources below.  Sign up now to participate in the Great Shakeout on April 28^th!

Great Shakeout Drill website  http://www.shakeout.org/centralus/ 

Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety    http://www.earthquakecountry.info/roots/seven_steps.html

Drop, Cover, and Hold On Tips     http://www.scec.org/education/public/espfocus/June_06.pdf

South Carolina Earthquake Guide    http://www.scemd.org/news/publications/EQ%20Guide%202008/New_Index_EQ_08.html