Today, the city of Charleston joined Tri-County government agencies in an annual emergency preparedness drill to test the response to a simulated 5.5 magnitude earthquake.
More than 40 personnel representing every city department participated in the more than 4-hour long exercise, which took place in coordination with regional partners.
Participants simulated response and recovery operations that tested the city’s and region’s planning and coordination capabilities surrounding a potential earthquake event, as well as the rapid identification of resources and personnel that it would require.
Mark Wilbert, director of Emergency Management, said, “We were very pleased with the productivity of today’s exercise, and the teamwork it involved. Moving forward, we will be able to use the lessons learned to strengthen our planning process and our readiness to respond to a no notice event like an earthquake.”