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February is Earthquake Preparedness Month
By Isaac Elting McGuire
On January 26, the Pacific Northwest celebrated the 322nd anniversary of the Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. The earthquake was estimated at a magnitude of 8.7-9.2. The length of the fault rupture was approximately 620 miles with an average tectonic plate slip of almost 65 feet. The earthquake was so large that most of the data we have on it was recorded from the size of the tidal wave that struck Japan.
Experts agree that the NW is overdue for another earthquake of this magnitude.
Are you ready? Make sure you have a plan. Here are some questions to ask yourself to make sure you are prepared:
- You are required to have emergency supplies for your residents. Do you have the correct amount? OAR and MCAR only requires only the minimum of three days worth of food and water. Experts recommend at least two weeks of supplies.
Do you know where to shut off your utilities to the home if necessary? Most homes have shut-off locations for water, natural gas, and electricity. Be sure you know where these are located. If you have a generator for backup power, do you test it regularly? Do you have a list of all emergency contacts available, and have you recently reviewed your emergency preparedness plan?
With earthquake preparedness, the key is to plan ahead and be prepared.
There is more information available on earthquake preparedness through the Oregon Office of Emergency Management. Please visit their website to get more information and to be the best prepared provider you can be!
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