South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) will livestream a press conference hosted by the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) on Oct. 15 at 10 a.m. at the South Carolina Emergency Operations Center in West Columbia. The press conference will feature emergency management and state agency leaders discussing South Carolina Earthquake Preparedness Week, which takes place Oct. 12 – 18, and previewing the upcoming Great Southeast Shakeout earthquake safety drill.
Gov. Henry McMaster has proclaimed Oct. 12–18, 2025, as Earthquake Preparedness Week in South Carolina. The week serves as a reminder for residents to learn more about the state’s seismic fault system and how to prepare for potential earthquakes.
During the press conference, Major General Robin Stilwell, Adjutant General of the South Carolina National Guard, and SCEMD Director Kim Stenson will be joined by South Carolina Department of Insurance Director Michael Wise and State Geologist Scott Howard to share updates on earthquake awareness, preparation tools and safety measures.
A highlight of the week is the Great Southeast ShakeOut, scheduled for Oct. 16 at 10:16 a.m. More than 1.8 million participants across eight states and Washington, D.C., are expected to join this regional earthquake safety drill, part of an international campaign teaching the three key steps to stay safe during an earthquake:
- DROP onto your hands and knees,
- COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand as you crawl for shelter under a table or desk, and
- HOLD ON to your shelter until the shaking stops.
People with limited mobility can also practice earthquake safety in ways appropriate for their situation. Schools, businesses, government agencies and households across South Carolina are encouraged to register and participate at shakeout.org/southeast.
So far in 2025, more than a dozen low-magnitude earthquakes have been recorded in South Carolina. Geologists at the College of Charleston report that the state typically experiences between 10 and 20 earthquakes each year.
SCETV’s weather-related reporting and emergency response communications efforts extend across the state. SCETV closely monitors evolving weather conditions, ensuring timely updates during weather events through statewide, multiplatform coverage. Leveraging the South Carolina Emergency Information Network (SCEIN), a partnership with WUFT in Gainesville, FL, SCETV regularly delivers critical updates across its broadcast television and radio networks, on social media and online. Additionally, in collaboration with the SCEMD and the Governor’s Office, SCETV broadcasts and livestreams statewide press conferences and provides the latest information on state government office closings. For weather updates and preparedness resources, visit SCETV's dedicated weather page at SCETV.org/weather.
The official South Carolina Earthquake Guide contains checklists and preparedness tips; additional resources are available at Earthquake.sc. The SC Emergency Manager mobile app also includes an earthquake map and allows users to sign up for alerts when seismic activity occurs. The app is free on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
The press conference for South Carolina Earthquake Preparedness Week will livestream on the SCETV website and the SCETV YouTube page.
FAST FACTS
- SCETV will livestream the Earthquake Preparedness Week press conference on Oct. 15 at 10 a.m. from the South Carolina Emergency Operations Center in West Columbia.
- Gov. Henry McMaster has proclaimed Oct. 12–18, 2025, as Earthquake Preparedness Week in South Carolina.
- The Great Southeast ShakeOut earthquake drill will take place Oct. 16 at 10:16 a.m.
- Residents can register for the Great ShakeOut at shakeout.org/southeast.
- The press conference for South Carolina Earthquake Preparedness Week will livestream on the SCETV website and the SCETV YouTube page.
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Downing of a Flag and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.
Media Contact
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337
