Anniversary of ‘great Cascadia’ coastal quake marked

Monday marked the anniversary of the last major Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake that rocked the Pacific Northwest 315 years ago. Scientists predict the next major Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake could strike our state at any time.

“Scientists believe Oregon is in the average window of time during which another massive, destructive quake could occur,” said Althea Rizzo, Geologic Hazards Program Coordinator.

Oregon is located in the Cascadia Subduction Zone a fault line stretching from offshore British Columbia to Northern California. Experts say a rupture on the Cascadia Fault line will likely result in a 9.0 or higher earthquake, with the potential to devastate the area.

“A quake of this size will produce severe damage – buildings will be so damaged that restoring full utility service could takes months to years,” said Rizzo. “We are taking steps right now to prepare our state for a potential Cascadia earthquake.”

Rizzo said new guidelines recommend individuals prepare an emergency kit for at least two weeks; prior recommendations were for a three-day kit.

“Highways may be down and electricity out for days making it critical for you to have enough supplies to sustain yourself for weeks,” said Rizzo.

State and local government, private businesses and non-governmental organizations are doing much to prepare for the next Cascadia quake, but individual preparedness is critical. There are many actions you can take to prepare for the next earthquake. Review the information below for more information.

-Check out “Living on Shaky Ground: How to Survive Earthquakes and Tsunamis in Oregon” published by Oregon Emergency Management;
-Read the “Without Warning Comic Book” produced by Dark Horse Comics here: http://www.oregon.gov/OMD/OEM/Pages/plans_train/earthquake.aspx
-Visit Ready.gov for resources on how you can be prepared before, during and after an earthquake.

The earthquake, which has been estimated to have had a moment magnitude of 8.7-9.2, is classified as a “megathrust earthquake” — our planet’s most powerful caliber of quake.

Local geologist Scott Burns, Ph.D., is a Red Cross Cascades Region board member who is often called on to discuss the effects of earth-shifting events.

“Oregonians are more prepared today than they have been in the past,” says Dr. Burns. “But we are far from ready for the effects of shaking, landslides, liquefaction and tsunamis that are sure to occur in the event the Cascadia subduction zone shifts.”

Scientific evidence suggests that at least 13 other earthquakes have occurred along the Cascadia subduction zone over the past 2,500 years, with intervals of about 300 to 900 years between each event. While we can’t predict the precise time and date of the region’s next large earthquake, we can take some important precautionary steps to prepare for an emergency — it could be another 600 years, or an earthquake could strike tomorrow.

The Red Cross recommends people take the following steps to prepare for an earthquake:

* Pick safe places in each room of your home, workplace and/or school. A safe place could be under a piece of furniture or against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases or tall furniture that could fall on you.

* Practice “drop, cover and hold on” in each safe place. If you do not have sturdy furniture to hold on to, sit on the floor next to an interior wall and cover your head and neck with your arms.

* Keep a flashlight and sturdy shoes by each person’s bed in case the earthquake strikes in the middle of the night.

* Bolt and brace water heaters and gas appliances to wall studs.

* Bolt bookcases, china cabinets and other tall furniture to wall studs.

* Hang heavy items, such as pictures and mirrors, away from beds, couches and anywhere people sleep or sit.

* Learn how to shut off the gas valves in your home and keep a wrench handy for that purpose.

* Keep and maintain an emergency supply kit in an easy-to-access location.

In addition to following these steps, downloading the free Red Cross Earthquake App provides a host of information about what to do before, during and after a disaster. The app also provides alerts and notifications when an earthquake occurs, information on how to prepare your family and home, and how to find help and let others know you are safe even if the power is out. You can download the app directly from the iTunes or Google Play app stores.

For more information on disaster preparedness, the Cascades Region offers emergency preparedness presentations that can be scheduled for any type of organization including schools, faith-based organizations, businesses, government entities, neighborhood associations and nonprofits. Trained preparedness professionals lead these free classes and walk participants through the risks of various disasters. The presentation also provides attendees a first-hand look on how to put together a disaster kit and make a plan.