Charlestonians:
Charleston seems like a beautiful city, free of natural disasters (except flooding, of course). However, our city was the site of a massive earthquake in 1886. Even more surprising than that, another earthquake could happen anytime! Below in this blog, you will find all the information you need about the 1886 earthquake, dangerous areas in Charleston, and how to prepare for an earthquake today.
Sincerely,
The Charleston Earthquakes Group
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Hazard Map Key
On the hazard map, green represents areas that would be high damage zones if an earthquake were to strike Charleston. This is because these areas are built on artificial fill, which would be highly susceptible to liquefaction. Liquefaction occurs when water is present in sediment. When shaken, this water causes the sediment to lose its stability, meaning it acts like a liquid. This would uproot any buildings or structures built and cause great damage.
Yellow represents intermediate damage. This is because it is built on sand and gravel, which would be more sturdy than artificial fill but could contain water that would allow liquefaction to occur.
Pink represents low damage. These areas are built on more solid foundation.
The red boxes represent schools, public buildings, and other points of interest that would be prone to damage.
Yellow represents intermediate damage. This is because it is built on sand and gravel, which would be more sturdy than artificial fill but could contain water that would allow liquefaction to occur.
Pink represents low damage. These areas are built on more solid foundation.
The red boxes represent schools, public buildings, and other points of interest that would be prone to damage.
How to Prepare
If a earthquake were to strike Charleston today, the damage and devastation caused could be even greater than that of 1886. However, we have the knowledge and technology to prepare for such a disaster.
1. Prepare Your Home:
Lights, ceiling fans, and other heavy objects located at high heights should be secured as to prevent falling if shaking were to occur. This is especially true for such objects located above sleeping areas. Water heaters should be strapped to the walls and electrical wiring should be checked for defects regularly, to prevent fires in the event of a quake.
2. Make a Earthquake Kit
This would include a flashlight and battery powered radio for use in a power loss. Drinking water and nonperishable foods that do not require cooking should also be included in the kit. Also, a fire extinguisher and first aid kit are necessary items. This kit should be able to provide you and your family for 72 hours, at the least.
3. Develop a plan
In case of an earthquake, know what to do. Preparation is the best and really only way to prevent damage. In the event of an earthquake, the first and most important thing to do is remain calm. If you are inside, stay inside and if you are outside, stay outside. Most of the deaths from the 1886 quake were caused by people running outside and getting struck by falling building material. Next, take cover. Desks, tables, supported doorways, or inside walls are best for this. If outdoors, move away from buildings and utility wires. Try to get out in the open and stay there. If in a car, stop carefully but remain inside the car.
After the quake:
Remain calm. Avoid the use of candles or other flame contained objects in case of a gas leak. Check for any injuries among yourself or the people you are with. Be aware there may be aftershocks, which are additional earthquake shocks. When possible, check your utilities and sewage lines to make sure everything is in proper order, and there are no serious leaks that could cause damage or injury.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS:
Charleston County Emergency Preparedness: 843-202-7400
Charleston Co. Sheriff: Call 911 for emergencies
Project Impact: 843-202-6940
1. Prepare Your Home:
Lights, ceiling fans, and other heavy objects located at high heights should be secured as to prevent falling if shaking were to occur. This is especially true for such objects located above sleeping areas. Water heaters should be strapped to the walls and electrical wiring should be checked for defects regularly, to prevent fires in the event of a quake.
2. Make a Earthquake Kit
This would include a flashlight and battery powered radio for use in a power loss. Drinking water and nonperishable foods that do not require cooking should also be included in the kit. Also, a fire extinguisher and first aid kit are necessary items. This kit should be able to provide you and your family for 72 hours, at the least.
3. Develop a plan
In case of an earthquake, know what to do. Preparation is the best and really only way to prevent damage. In the event of an earthquake, the first and most important thing to do is remain calm. If you are inside, stay inside and if you are outside, stay outside. Most of the deaths from the 1886 quake were caused by people running outside and getting struck by falling building material. Next, take cover. Desks, tables, supported doorways, or inside walls are best for this. If outdoors, move away from buildings and utility wires. Try to get out in the open and stay there. If in a car, stop carefully but remain inside the car.
After the quake:
Remain calm. Avoid the use of candles or other flame contained objects in case of a gas leak. Check for any injuries among yourself or the people you are with. Be aware there may be aftershocks, which are additional earthquake shocks. When possible, check your utilities and sewage lines to make sure everything is in proper order, and there are no serious leaks that could cause damage or injury.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS:
Charleston County Emergency Preparedness: 843-202-7400
Charleston Co. Sheriff: Call 911 for emergencies
Project Impact: 843-202-6940
1886 Charleston Earthquake
The city of Charleston is home to around 400,000 people, the College of Charleston, and countless historical landmarks, dating back to before the Civil War. Charleston is a beautiful town, rich in history and diversity. However, Charleston was the site of one of the worst earthquakes in the Southeast, and even the United States.
During this earthquake, 60 people were killed and 90% of Charleston's buildings were destroyed or severely damaged. The damage totaled approximately $8,000,000 in damage. This earthquake was not one that was the result of plate boundaries, because Charleston and the eastern border of the United States do not lie on a plate boundary. This was an intraplate quake, or a earthquake that occurs within a plate, and could happen again tomorrow. And different from the 1886 earthquake, this earthquake would be even most devastating and incur more damage.
During this earthquake, 60 people were killed and 90% of Charleston's buildings were destroyed or severely damaged. The damage totaled approximately $8,000,000 in damage. This earthquake was not one that was the result of plate boundaries, because Charleston and the eastern border of the United States do not lie on a plate boundary. This was an intraplate quake, or a earthquake that occurs within a plate, and could happen again tomorrow. And different from the 1886 earthquake, this earthquake would be even most devastating and incur more damage.
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