Mayor Joe Riley to Participate in Earthquake Drill at the College of Charleston

Charleston Mayor Joe Riley will join students in the College of Charleston’s Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) to prepare for the Great Southeast ShakeOut earthquake drill. On October 16, 2013 at 10 a.m. ECDC students (ages 2 through 5) will practice earthquake safety measures and learn about how earthquakes move through the “earthquake dance” at ECDC (91 Wentworth St.). College of Charleston Geology professors will be on hand to answer questions.

The rest of campus will take part in the Great Southeast ShakeOut on October 17 at 10:17 a.m., at which time they will practice “Drop, Cover and Hold On,” the recommended way to stay safe during an earthquake. Last year more than 500 people on campus participated, including many classes, and the students at ECDC.

“The earthquake dance helps teach young children about earthquakes without scaring them,” geology professor Erin Beutel said. “This year we’re aiming for a city-wide earthquake drill. We’ve been working with organizations across the Lowcountry, including the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry, the Mayor’s Office and College departments so everyone will be prepared.”

Charleston has not experienced a large-scale earthquake since 1886 but geologists assert that the Lowcountry should expect another earthquake in the future. Through earthquake drills, the College and other participating organizations hope to debunk dangerous myths that encourage people to take cover under doorways or outside.

“The doorway myth started because of a photo of the doorway in a California adobe left standing after a quake, but most modern doorways will not stay standing. The best way to be safe is to take cover under your desk, or somewhere immediately accessible and hold on,” Beutel said. For more information on proper earthquake safety, visit the Great Shakeout website.

For more information, contact Erin Beutel at scearthquakes@cofc.edu