Earthquake Awareness Week 2007 Coming Soon...
1. False. South Carolina’s low country is the most seismically active region in the state whereas approximately 70 percent of all the present day South Carolina’s earthquakes have occurred within this region, but earthquakes have occurred throughout South Carolina. Scientists have discovered earthquake occurrences dating back to 1698 in the State. No area in the State is immune from earthquakes. Location of earthquakes in South Carolina from 1974 to 1995.
The Charleston region is the location of the most significant historical earthquake to occur in South Carolina. The 1886 Charleston earthquake occurred on August 31 and of magnitude intensity 7.3. It was felt over 2.5 million square miles. Buildings throughout the state were damaged from this earthquake.
2. True. If outside or driving, move to a clear area way from trees, overpasses, buildings and power lines. If in a crowded public place, do not rush for the exits. Drop and cover your head and neck with your hands and arms. If in a building, stay away from windows and outside walls. Drop, cover, and get under a table to hold on! Do not use the elevators.
3. False. Earthquakes are unpredictable and can occur anytime during the year. Currently there is no reliable method for predicting the time, place, and size of an earthquake. If earthquakes have occurred before, they will again.
4. True. There are many different ways to measure different aspects of an earthquake. Magnitude is the most common measure of an earthquake's size. It is a measure of the size of the earthquake source and is the same number no matter where you are or what the shaking feels like. The Richter scale measures the largest wiggle on the recording, but other magnitude scales measure different parts of the earthquake. Intensity is a measure of the shaking and damage caused by the earthquake, and this value changes from location to location.
5. True. Securing fixtures such as lights, ceiling tiles, cabinets, and top - heavy objects is a good way to keep from being injured during an earthquake. To prepare for an earthquake, survey our home or workplace to determine what hazards exist. Secure fixtures to resist moving, coming loose, or failing during the shaking. Place heavy or large objects on lower shelves, fastened to the walls. Remove hazardous objects above sleeping areas. Fasten our water heater to the wall by strapping it to the wall or bolting it to the floor. Check the electrical wiring and connections to gas appliances. Defective electrical wiring, leaking gas, or inflexible connections are hazardous in the event of an earthquake.
