Here’s some good and bad news about where we live: the good news—this is one of the most beautiful areas of the USA; the bad news—there is scientific certainty that any day, any year, the Pacific Northwest will experience a gigantic subduction earthquake. Scientists aren’t sure how big or extensive the earthquake will be, but predictions are horrific. (For an in-depth analysis, seek out a New Yorker article published in last year’s July 16th issue entitled “The Really Big One”—and written by a part-time Seattle area resident.)
Earthquake fallout in Portland will be a mixed bag, depending on your location. Experts say those living on the east side of the Willamette and some distance from the river are likely to survive the earthquake itself, but no Portland resident will be immune from the impact of collapsed infrastructure, resulting in loss of water, sewers, roads, electricity, and delivered materials (i.e., food, medicine, fuel) for months, if not longer. And that’s why it’s prudent to make plans with your household and anyone you care for by setting up a contact point with someone who doesn’t live here and storing up bottled water, freeze-dried foods, hygiene supplies, medicines you must take, pet food, and other supplies. Long-term food supplies are available at Costco, REI, and from many other companies that carry a variety of freeze-dried foods, much of it manufactured here in Oregon. For some lists of what to have available and other helpful suggestions, visit www.preporegon.com and http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster. The checklists include items that may not have crossed your mind, like dust masks (because of harmful glass dust and other airborne toxics), whistles, heavy leather gloves, various all-purpose tools, long books to read, little-kid supplies, and other items.
To protect your house (and garage), upgrade with a seismic retrofit to meet current seismic standards, which then should qualify your home for earthquake insurance coverage. (Check with your insurance agent to be sure.) Also, strap down gas water heaters and install automatic shutoff valves to gas supplies (so the gas shuts off when shaking starts).
Finally, practice drills at home, keeping in mind that we may have to take cover right where we are due to the severity of the shaking. Check to see if your workplace, school, or other offsite locations also are prepared and consider volunteering to be trained by Portland Bureau of Emergency Management to serve as a member of NET (Neighborhood Emergency Team), our local rescuers who will likely be the first on the scene when firefighters and police are slowed by impassable streets or overwhelmed by calls for help. For details about Beaumont-Wilshire’s NET, contact leader Con Bricca (conbricca@gmail.com).
Our mantra should be PREPARE FOR THE WORST and be ever grateful if the worst does not happen. More than ever, we’ll all be in the same boat!