Skip to main content

Oregon State Flag An official website of the State of Oregon »

Oregon.gov Homepage

Earthquakes

Oregon is earthquake country. In 1993, western Oregon experienced two damaging earthquakes, Scotts Mills (magnitude 5.6) and Klamath Falls (magnitudes 5.9 and 6). The Scotts Mills "Spring Break Quake" affected thousands of people and caused nearly $30 million in damage. Molalla High School and the State Capitol building were severely damaged.
 
In addition to the historic record, prehistoric evidence for great subduction zone earthquakes, such as the Cascadia Subduction Zone, and associated tsunamis have been found in coastal wetlands along the Pacific Northwest coast. A subduction zone earthquake has the potential to reach a magnitude of 9 or higher, can last up to five minutes, and will likely create a series of devastating tsunami waves along the coast.
 
Earthquakes can strike suddenly, without warning and at any time of the year. We need to prepare for earthquakes before they happen. By preparing now for future earthquakes, we can take action to reduce the risks, stay safe and protect our homes, families and communities.
 
For information about the Geologic Hazards Program at OEM, contact:
Althea Rizzo, Geological Hazards Program Coordinator
503-378-3936
 
What to do when the earth shakes:
Protect Yourself During EarthquakesProtect Yourself During Earthquakes Spanish

























DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down and also allows you to stay low and crawl to shelter if nearby.
COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand.
  • If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter.
  • If no shelter is nearby, crawl or next to an interior wall (away from windows).
  • Stay on your knees; bend over to protect vital organs.
HOLD ON until shaking stops.
  • Under shelter: hold on to it with one hand; be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts
  • No shelter: hold on to your head and neck with both arms and hands.
OR ADAPT FOR YOUR SITUATION
If you have difficulty getting onto the ground, or cannot get back up again without the help of a caregiver, follow these
recommendations:
  • If you are in a recliner or bed: Cover your head and neck with your arms or a pillow until the shaking stops.
  • If you use a cane: Drop, Cover, and Hold On or sit on a chair, bed, etc. and cover your head and neck with both hands. Keep your cane near you so it can be used when the shaking stops.
  • If you use a walker or wheelchair: LOCK your wheels (if applicable). If using a walker carefully get as low as possible. Bend over and COVER your head/neck with your arms, a book, or a pillow. Then HOLD ON until shaking stops.
IF YOU ARE NEAR THE OCEAN and feel a large earthquake, Drop, Cover, and Hold On until the shaking stops. Then walk inland and up to high ground. Do not wait for an official warning. A tsunami could come ashore in a few minutes. 

Stay Informed
 
Get prepared to be 2 Weeks Ready!
OEM encourages people to be prepared to be on their own with enough food, water and supplies for a minimum of two weeks.

Helpful Links and Information
 
Check out the Preparedness Publications
 
Videos you can watch and share
 
Business preparedness
Businesses have a lot to plan for in order to recover from a natural disaster. This includes getting employees back to work, how to bring computer systems back online, how repairs to buildings will be made, and how inventory will be resupplied.
 
Homeowners
Homeowners should take earthquake preparedness and mitigation efforts seriously, like having their home seismically retrofitted.
 
Oregon Seismic Safety Policy Advisory Commission (OSSPAC)
OSSPAC was developed to promote earthquake awareness and preparedness through education, research, and legislation. You can find out more about the mission, history, and work of OSSPAC on our OSSPAC page.