State emergency officials gathered in Columbia Wednesday for a news conference highlighting earthquake safety. The briefing offered insight into the state's ongoing seismic activity and how South Carolinians can best prepare themselves.
The state has already experienced 30 earthquakes this year. While all of these tremors have been relatively minor—measuring below a 3.0 magnitude—emergency managers emphasized a crucial shift in patterns: the activity is no longer confined to a single localized swarm. Instead, officials say, these small earthquakes have occurred all over the state, serving as a widespread reminder that South Carolina is a seismically active region.
"Earthquakes are a real and unpredictable threat in our state," noted emergency management leaders, reminding residents that while the recent quakes have been small, South Carolina sits over a complex system of deep fault lines, particularly beneath the Coastal Plain.
The news conference also featured insights from South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) Director Kim Stenson and state National Guard Brigadier General Christopher Hyman. Key takeaways:
- Officials reiterated the universal protocol during an earthquake: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Residents are urged to drop to the floor, take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, and hold on until the shaking stops.
- Homeowners and businesses are encouraged to secure heavy objects, such as bookshelves, televisions, and large mirrors, which can easily topple over during a tremor.
- SCEMD recommends that households maintain an emergency kit stocked with water, non-perishable food, flashlights, and a first-aid kit capable of sustaining them for at least 72 hours.
- A reminder was also made that Earthquake insurance is a special policy as general homeowners insurance does not cover Earthquake damage.
The Great Southeast ShakeOut is tomorrow
The news conference also served as a final preview for the Great ShakeOut, a massive statewide and national earthquake safety drill scheduled for Thursday at 10:15 a.m.
Residents who have not yet registered can still sign up to participate and find safety resources on the official Great ShakeOut website.