EARTHQUAKES

A recent article in the New Yorker magazine has

generated significant and important community

discussion about the next large earthquake in the

Pacific Northwest, and what it might mean for

residents across the greater Seattle region. To

the right is a diagram of the Cascadia Subduction

Zone and the large area that would be affected

by “slippage” of this fault line.

The City's standing goal is to be prepared to

respond and recover from any hazard as safely

and quickly as possible. Apart from the City’s

preparations, however, it is important that every

resident be prepared to take care of himself or

herself, and also their neighbors, for 10 days

after a very large earthquake; this is due to the

potential widespread damage that is expected to

infrastructure such as bridges, the electrical grid,

the water supply, etc.

Ways You Can Prepare Now

 Make a plan for how you will communicate with your family and where you will meet if

separated. Practice your plan at least annually.

 Build emergency kits for your home and vehicle. If finances are tight, start small and

add supplies as you are able; or band together with a neighbor to share resources.

 Help each other by knowing your neighbors, their special needs and what community

resources are available.

During an Earthquake

When the ground begins to shake: Drop, Cover and Hold On until the shaking stops.

Aftershocks are likely to follow, so be prepared to do this multiple times.

Information from Ready.gov

Now is the time to prepare! Check out the Ready.gov website to learn what to do before, during

and after an earthquake.