The week of November 6 – 12, 2011 is Earthquake Awareness Week in South Carolina. As I have written previously in this blog, earthquakes represent one of the most significant threats in the Charleston region due to the large potential for damage and the lack of warning preceding an earthquake. The largest recorded earthquake in Charleston occurred on August 31, 1886 as a Magnitude 7.3 event. It is estimated that earthquakes of this relative magnitude occur within our seismic area once every 100 – 500 years, which is the single largest obstacle to preparedness efforts. It is difficult for us to prepare for events that may not occur tomorrow, next year, or even next century. However it is critical for all residents, businesses, schools, and other organizations within the Lowcountry to prepare for earthquakes because a repeat of the 1886 event would be devastating today.
Consider these facts published by the South Carolina Emergency Management Division. A recent scientific study revealed the following impacts of the 1886 earthquake if it occurred today:
· Estimated 45,000 casualties
· Up to 30% of hospitals would be damaged beyond use
· Estimated 70,000 households, or 200,000 people, displaced
· 80% of all urban households in the tri-county area would be without water service for weeks or months
· Approximately 300,000 households would be without power
· 800 bridges would be damaged beyond use
· More than 220 schools and 160 fire stations would have significant damage
· Almost $11 billion in economic loss in the tri-county area
These sobering statistics should serve as a continual reminder and motivator to prepare our families, homes, businesses, etc. for earthquakes. The best way to start is follow the four basic steps below:
1) Know the earthquake safety procedure: Duck, Cover, and Hold. (Do NOT run outside!)
2) Check your insurance policies and make sure they include earthquake coverage.
3) Prepare your emergency supplies for at least a week without water, power, or food.
4) With so many bridges out, prepare a plan to meet family members with multiple rally points in a series of locations that are not close to bridges. This may be the only way you can meet up if cell phones are down and you can’t make it home.
For more information see the South Carolina Earthquake Guide and other materials on the South Carolina Emergency Management Division website: http://www.scemd.org/EQ_Awareness_11/Earthquake_Awareness_Week_11.html.
