How to Prepare Your Historic Property for an Earthquake
The largest earthquake to ever occur on the east coast of the United States was on Aug. 31, 1886; its epicenter was just south of Summerville, S.C., about 10 miles from Charleston's historic peninsula. Some scientists believe there is a 40% to 60% chance of a major earthquake in the Lowcountry within the next 30 years. All scientists agree that where earthquakes have happened before, they will happen again.
Earthquakes are vibrations of the earth caused by sudden release of energy from a source within the earth. Unlike a hurricane, an earthquake comes with little or no warning. The severity of a quake can vary from a barely perceivable vibration to devastating shock waves capable of leveling large structures.
Earthquakes are caused by the enormous stresses placed on subterraneous rocks when the earth's plates (sections of the earth's surface) move. When stresses overcome the forces holding the rock layers together, the rocks move along the zone of weakness. The sudden movement of this rock is what releases the energy that we call an earthquake.
During an Earthquake:
If you are inside...
- Stay inside.
- Watch for falling objects.
- Crawl under a sturdy table or desk, or stand in a non-glass doorway. If possible, keep a solid wall is between you, the window walls and glass doors.
- Stay away from windows, mirrors, overhead fixtures, filing cabinets, bookcases and electrical equipment.
- If possible and reasonable, remain in a protected area until an official directs you that it is safe to move.
Aftershocks can be just as dangerous as the initial shock.
If you are outside...
- Move to an open area away from buildings, trees and power lines.
- If your only option is to stand near a building, watch for falling objects.
If you are in a vehicle...
- Stop the vehicle in the nearest open area. Avoid bridges and overhead wires.
- Stay in the vehicle until the tremors stop.
After an Earthquake
- Remain calm.
- If there is a fire, call 911. Fight it if you safely can until fire officials arrive. You may be the only one available to do so.
- Do not move the seriously injured unless they are in obvious and immediate danger.
- Open doors carefully. Watch for falling objects.
- Do not use matches or lighters. There may be gas leaks.
- Do not enter a flooded area until authorized to do so. Electrical shock may be a hazard, especially if emergency generators are in use.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST
A. Construction Materials
- Plywood for covering or replacing windows.
- Nails, screws.
- Tapes (masking, duct, electricians).
- Adequate plastic tarps for protection against leaks.
B. Emergency Equipment
- Emergency gasoline powered electrical generator.
- Portable lights (to be powered by the generator if possible).
- Emergency lights and flash lights with extra batteries.
- Fire extinguishers (ABC type recommended).
- Battery operated AM/FM radios with extra batteries.
- Extension cords.
- Bottled water to last your family for one week.
- Canned goods and non-perishable foods, non-electric can openers.
- Sufficient containers for water for uses other than drinking water (i.e.
washing utensils, bathing, etc.)
- First Aid kit
C. Documents
These important documents should be kept in more than one location (i.e. office, safety deposit box, home). Place all documents, photographs and tapes in waterproof containers.
- Current and updated insurance policies and phone numbers.
- Photographs of the entire exterior of the building.
- Photographs of architectural detail of each room.
- Drawings or blueprints of the structure with specific locations of
combustible materials indicated.
- Accurate electrical plans.
- Mortgage records and copies of contracts.
- Updated list of personal property including receipts, serial numbers,
photographs and video when possible.
- Forms to fill out for advice, assistance, building permits, etc. Phone
numbers of contractors, painters, plumbers, carpenters, roofers and suppliers.
D. Tools and Equipment for Demolition, Repairs and Rescue
- Hammers and nails
- Wrenches, vise grips, pliers (adjustable and needle nose)
- Screwdrivers (straight blade and Phillips in various sizes)
- Wood saws
- Hand drills or battery operated drills with bits
- Hack saw with blades
- Utility knife with extra blades
- Crowbar, axes
- Rope
- Folding rule or retractable tape measures
- Sledgehammer
- Staple gun and staples
- Ladder
- Several pairs of heavy work gloves
- Safety glasses
- Chain saw (exercise extreme caution when operating a chain saw. wear
protective glasses and clothing)
E. Supplies and equipment for Debris Removal and Interior Clean up
- Low sudsing detergents
- Sanitizers
- Fungicides
- Disinfectants
- Ample amounts of safe household cleaners; especially ammonia
- Several pairs of rubber gloves
- Brooms / Dust pans
- Mops, buckets
- Shovels
- Scrub brushes
- Sponges and rags or cloths
- Water hoses and nozzles
- Disposable containers or bags for trash
- Rakes and clippers for lawn debris removal
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