SCEEP, A NEW MODEL FOR EARTHQUAKE OUTREACH

The S.C. Earthquake Education and Preparedness (SCEEP) program at the College of Charleston is staffed with research scientists, educators, and outreach personal in an attempt to bridge the many gaps between earthquake research, emergency management, and the general public. As such the SCEEP team has created a series of communication avenues through which correct, scientific information can be relayed to the various communities. The research scientists involved with SCEEP work with the education and outreach coordinator to help form a cohesive stream of information that can be distributed to those in charge of earthquake emergency management (public and private) as well as the general public. This data stream takes the form of workshops, talks, and participation in emergency management scenarios. SCEEP scientists are also the contact points for media outlets and they ensure that correct information is distributed to the media about current events. Because the same group of people talk to the media and work with the Emergency Management Teams, as well as the general public, it ensures that all information is on point and doesn’t deviate off message. This same information is translated for teachers to be used in K-12 classroom activities and can be adapted for use in collegiate undergraduate labs; once again the same group of people participates in the sharing of the information ensuring a strong, on point message. This message is further reinforced with the general public through museums, hands-on outreach activities, and historical walking tours, which take the labs and activities designed for classroom use and convert them into short experiences for the general public. SCEEP has created a new model for earthquake research and public awareness by creating a diverse team of scientists who are able to create the full picture of earthquakes and how they affect society and are then able to convey that information to academic and non-academic entities such as emergency management personnel and the general public, through a wide variety of venues and media.