How to prepare for earthquakes in South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) – The Palmetto State experienced more than eight earthquakes in the past two weeks.

Many of the earthquakes ranked above a two on the magnitude scale. It is not the first time South Carolina has experienced a group of earthquakes, or swarms.

The U.S. Geological survey reported that Greenwood County had 10 earthquakes in the past week and county spokesperson Abby Banks said it can be unsettling for residents.

“I’ve heard people say that when they felt it, they went outside to look for a tree fall, like they thought it was another tree that had fallen, because it had that kind of little bit of rumble that they had felt, you know, two weeks before,” Banks said.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources State Geologist Scott Howard said the state is on a fault line so the earthquakes will continue, “Given the state of the stress field certain structures are prone to reactivate more than other structures,” he said.

It just so happens that this week is “Shakeout Earthquake Preparedness Week” and drills were held across the country in schools and businesses.

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division Director Kim Stenson said preparation is very important, “you know, some people can become complacent in terms of not thinking it’s a threat, but it is a real threat here in South Carolina, we need to prepare for that, just like we prepare for hurricanes.”

Director Stenson believes that the Earthquake Guidebook is crucial to read, “We’ve seen just about everything that you could have happen, I think, here in South Carolina; and the key message there is, know your threats and then be prepared, and we’ve got the tools to help you get prepared,” he said.

If you experience an earthquake or want to prepare for one check out the Earthquake Guidebook.

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