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). 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.
We
must be aware of and take action to prevent the risks that earthquakes pose to our homes
and families. We need to prepare for the earthquake before it happens. By
preparing now for future earthquakes, we can protect our homes and families.
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:
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 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.
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.
Helpful Links and Information
Check out the Preparedness Publications
Videos you can watch and share
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.
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.