Emergency Plan - Grand Strand Water and Sewer Authority

EVENT SPECIFIC GUIDELINES 3 (ESG-3)
EARTHQUAKE
Earthquake
3.2.5. SITUATION
GSWSA and its service area are susceptible to the threat of earthquakes.
With a significant portion of GSWSA’s assets and infrastructure being below
ground, a major earthquake could be devastating to these systems.
A major earthquake would completely overwhelm all local emergency services and
emergency management resources, and Federal assistance could potentially take
days to get mobilized, on site, and operational.
3.2.6. THREAT or HAZARD INFORMATION
Earthquakes are common in South Carolina. Approximately 10 to 15 earthquakes
are recorded annually, with 3 to 5 of those being strong enough to be felt by people.
Approximately 70% of all South Carolina earthquakes (7 to 10 each year) occur in
the Middleton Place-Summerville Seismic Zone.
The Middleton Place-Summerville Seismic Zone was the site of the 1886
Charleston/Summerville earthquake. It is estimated to have been a magnitude 7.3,
making it the largest earthquake in recorded history in the entire eastern United
States, and was the most destructive United States earthquake of the 19 TH century.
Approximately 100 people were killed, and damages were estimated to be $5 to $6
million dollars (in 1886 dollars).
Earthquake experts forecast a 40 to 60 percent chance of a magnitude 6 earthquake
occurring in the eastern United States within the next 30 years.
3.2.7. CONCEPT of OPERATIONS
Earthquakes strike without warning; there is no time for “last minute” preparations.
In the event of an earthquake, after ensuring your own safety, all personnel should
remain on standby and report to their immediate supervisor and monitor the
Employee Emergency Phone Line. If unable to travel to the EOC, attempt to
establish contact with someone to report your location and status - day or night.
All forms of communication are likely to be out of service, particularly during the
first several hours until these systems can implement their emergency plans. This
includes two-way radios, cell phones, and landline phones.
A major earthquake will require full-scale implementation of this Plan.
3.2.8. PREPAREDNESS / MITIGATION
Chlorine and ammonia cylinders shall be secured in place at all times, with devices
Grand Strand Water & Sewer Authority 104 CONFIDENTIAL MATERIALS
Emergency Management Plan
SECURITY SENSITIVE
June 7, 2013
NOT FOR PUBLIC
DISCLOSURE