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Local Earthquake and Tsunami Preparedness
- Ten Emergency Preparedness Recommendations
- Drop, Cover and Hold Exercise Outline (in PDF File format from Benton County Oregon Sheriff's Office)
- West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center also in case of emergency this site is mirrored.
- U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Earthquake Page.
- Tsumami Smarts Test (Tsmarts).
- Drop, Cover and Hold Powerpoint Presentation
- 3 Day Emergency Kit for Home
- Tsunami and Earthquake Links
- Here is a List of Relief Agencies.
- Other Disaster Relief organizations
- Drop, Cover and Hold Earthquake Drill and resources
- Earthquake evacuation checklist
- Tsunami Explanation
- Indian Earthquake and Tsunami
- Tsunami warning system that exists in the Pacific Rim
- USGS Earthquake Hazards Program
- Letter from Peggy Peirson:
- Peggy Peirson, Emergency Services Coordinator
Benton County Emergency Management, Search & Rescue
180 NW 5th Street, Corvallis, OR 97330
peggy.peirson@co.benton.or.us
(541) 766-6864, 766-6052 - fax
Benton County, Corvallis, OR. Dec. 29, 2004. The recent earthquakes and tsunami in the Indian Ocean have triggered many questions about Subduction zone earthquakes, how and when tsunamis are spawned and whether or not we really have this kind of risk in the Pacific Northwest.
Like the Subduction zone that was the source of the Indonesian quake and tsunami, we have a very comparable Subduction zone at work beneath us. Also, like the Indonesian Subduction zone, ours has a history of long periods of time between catastrophic events (i.e., the risk may be all but forgotten between major quakes). Like Indonesia, our coastline is at risk for damaging tsunamis - either originating from a Pacific Northwest (local) event or as a result of another large earthquake around the Pacific Rim (i.e., Alaska 1964).
I am hoping to hear that a new and outstanding film, "Cascadia: The Hidden Fire" will be offered on local television soon. Short of that, we have DVD and VHS copies in our office that may be checked out. The film may also be ordered from www.globalnetproductions.com The DVD version is $29.95 and the VHS version is $24.95.
The film is the single best that I have seen in terms of explaining the science, describing the research, Pacific rim history, risk, warning systems and what is being done to make the Pacific Northwest a safer place to live and play. It features local experts that you will recognize (OSU, University of Washington, US Geological Survey, etc.) and familiar scenery. If you're a science or history buff, this is an interesting film. If you have questions about the assertion that we could have earthquakes here - your doubt will disappear.
If you are interested in checking out the DVD or VHS, contact our office:
Email: peggy.peirson@co.benton.or.us
Phone: 541.766-6864
Street Address: 553 NW Monroe
A reminder:
-- Know your hazard risk and exposure - at work, home, school, traveling. Be informed--
-- Mitigate what you can - where earthquakes are concerned, most measures are inexpensive, easy and likely to be injury or life-saving.
-- Know what to do when an earthquake or tsunami occurs - and what not to do*.
-- DROP down low, protecting your neck and head, take COVER alongside or beneath something sturdy in the room you're in, HOLD on to your cover until the shaking stops. If you're inside - stay inside. A major risk is falling and fallen debris - much of it from the outside of the building. After the shaking stops, carefully pick your way outside to an open area.
-- If you're on the coast, particularly in a Tsunami Inundation (low lying) area, once the shaking stops - go immediately to higher ground. Be familiar with Tsunami Evacuation Routes.
-- DO NOT try to run outside or to other rooms. You risk injury moving around, if you are even able to stand up, and have only seconds after you realize you might be experiencing an earthquake to take cover. Outside, falling debris is a deadly hazard.
-- Develop a family emergency plan, including an annual exercise. What will the family do when the shaking starts? Where do you meet? Who is an emergency contact, particularly if you're separated when the earthquake occurs.
--Develop a family disaster supplies kit - water, food, first aid, necessary medication, warm clothes and rainwear, sanitation supplies.
-- Consider hosting a neighborhood meeting - your neighbors will be your best source of help in a disaster. Call Benton County Emergency Management for a 90-presentation on neighborhood preparedness. We will schedule at your convenience.
-- Finally, do not take for granted that someone else will take care of you. In an emergency - community resources will be in short supply. We all must do our part and take responsibility for emergency preparedness...before a disaster happens.
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