It is imperative that your family, your business and community is ready for a disaster. On the southern Oregon coast, experts predict that we could face at any time a 9.0 earthquake lasting 4 to 5 minutes and within 20 minutes of the quake a massive tsunami much like that in Japan on March 11, 2011.
The Cascadia Subduction zone releases built-up energy about every 300 years. It has been 311 since the last major quake on the Oregon coast. Geologists are concerned that since this release is so far overdue that it could happen at any time. There will be no warning of the quake but the ground shaking is your cue to go to higher ground if you are in a tsunami inundation zone.
There are several things you can do now to survive a major earthquake and tsunami.
- Sit down with the whole family and make a plan! In your plan, make a common location to meet up. The chances of the whole family being in one location when the quake hits is not likely. So make a plan that includes several different scenarios. For instance, Dad is at work, Mom is visiting away and the kids are in school. Where will you meet? Did the school create a plan for your child?
- Put together a 72 Hour Evacuation Kit that will take care of your entire family including pets for 72 Hours. 3 days of supplies will help you survive that time between the disaster onset and organized assistance or help.
- Map Your Neighborhood. Take stock of your neighborhood. Are there people who are skilled with wood cutting in case of fallen trees? Are there CERT trained people? Are there elderly people who may need help? Who has a generator? Map it out and you will have a good idea of what your and your neighbors can do to help your community.
