Add earthquakes to list of potential S.C. disasters

By RANDY BURNS
Item Staff Writer
rburns@theitem.com

South Carolina residents know the potential for natural disaster is ever present. The threat posed by a hurricane, tornado, thunderstorm and even a rare snowstorm has made all of us realize the importance of emergency preparation.

Sumter County Emergency Management Director Robbie Baker said everyone should also be mindful that earthquakes can and do take place in South Carolina.

“You don’t think of earthquakes happening in South Carolina,” Baker said. “But they could and they do. Charleston lies on a major fault line.”

As a reminder, Gov. Mark Sanford has designated Earthquake Awareness Week in South Carolina this week through Saturday.

“Those disaster supply kits you have in case of a hurricane will for the most part be what you need if there’s an earthquake,” Baker said.

Baker said earthquakes pose a particular danger because they cannot be forecast.

“There is no reliable method for predicting the time, place, and size of an earthquake,” he said. “You’re not going to have an advance warning for an earthquake. It’s important to be prepared for disasters of any kind. Having a plan and a disaster supply kit is key. If we have a major earthquake, then there’s a good chance that the roads will not be passable. It could take several days before help arrives. In fact, you could be more isolated in an earthquake than in a hurricane. The only way to reach you after an earthquake could be by air.”

The state Emergency Management Division, the S.C. Earthquake Education Center at the College of Charleston, and the National Weather Service are sponsoring the week to remind people that earthquakes pose a significant threat to South Carolina year-round, and citizens need to take proper precautions.

A highlight of the week will be the annual statewide earthquake drill. State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex is encouraging schools statewide to participate. In addition to schools, businesses, nursing homes, county and municipal agencies, and others also are expected to take part. The drill will be held at 9:30 a.m. today and will be announced over National Weather Service tone-alert weather radio statewide. This drill is designed to give participants the opportunity to test their safety plans.

The South Carolina State Museum in Columbia will host Earthquake Day for the general public beginning at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Displays at the museum will show how earthquakes work, provide general information on the geology of South Carolina, and explain hazard maps of the area. Children will get the chance to build a structure and test it on the shake table, learn about seismometers, and take home coloring books about earthquakes

Emergency management officials say it is important for residents to be aware that earthquakes have a history in South Carolina.

Yet it has been 95 years since a major earthquake occurred in the state.

A 1913 quake with an estimated magnitude of 5.5 on the Richter scale hit Union. Fortunately, damage was minimal and there were no deaths.

However, the 1886 Charleston earthquake killed 60 people and destroyed or damaged most buildings in the city. That historic earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.3, was felt as far away as Alabama and Florida, and is considered the most damaging earthquake to ever strike the Southeast.

Minimal earthquakes and tremors are not uncommon, state officials said.

In 2000, an earthquake with a 2.43 magnitude was recorded in Lee County, officials said.



Contact Staff Writer Randy Burns at rburns@theitem.com or (803) 491-4533.



ON THE NET

For more information on Earthquake Awareness Week, visit www.scemd.org