Living on Shaky GroundHow to survive earthquakes and tsunamis in Oregon

ii OregonOfficeofEmergencyManagement

Copyright2018,OregonOfficeofEmergencyManagementwithhelpfromtheOregonDepartmentofGeologyandMineralIndustries.OriginallyadaptedfromHumboldtEarthquakeEducationCenteratHumboldtStateUniversity.Reproductionbypermissiononly.

Disclaimer: This document is intended to promote earthquake and tsunami readiness. It is based on the best currently available scientific, engineering, and sociological research. Following its suggestions, however, does not guarantee the safety of an individual or of a structure.

Contributors• MichaelMurphy,CoosCounty• PatenceWinningham,CityofEugene• JustinRoss,MultnomahCounty• CynthiaValdivia,WashingtonCounty• BonnyCushman,CityofPortland• BarbaraAyers,HoodRiverCounty• CurtisPeetz,AmericanRedCross• JohnBowles,MorrowCounty• VirginiaDemaris,LincolnCounty• TerriEubanks,CityofAshland• AltheaRizzo,OregonOfficeofEmergency

Management• PaulaNegele,OregonOfficeofEmergency

Management

LivingonShakyGround-Introduction 1

Introduction

You can prepare for the next quake or tsunamiSomepeoplethinkitisnotworthpreparingforanearthquakeoratsunamibecausewhetheryousurviveornotisuptochance.NOTSO!

MostOregonbuildingswillsurviveevenalargeearthquake,andsowillyou,especiallyifyoufollowthesimpleguidelinesinthishandbookandstartpreparingtoday.Ifyouknowhowtorecognizethewarningsignsofatsunamiandunderstandwhattodo,youwillsurvivethattoo—butyouneedtoknowwhattodoahead oftime.

ThishandbookwillhelpyouprepareforearthquakesandtsunamisinOregon.Itexplainshowyoucanpreparefor,surviveandrecoverfromthem.Italsodescribeswhatyoucandotodaytosavelives,reduceinjuriesandminimizedamage.Governmentagenciesandotheremergencyorganizationscannotprotectyoufromthenextearthquakeortsunami.Evenunderthebestofcircumstances,medicalaidorfireandlawenforcementofficialsmaynotbeabletoreachyouformanyhours,orevendays.Itisourresponsibilityasindividuals,neighborhoodsandcommunitiestoreducerisks,toprepareforthecriticalperiodimmediatelyaftertheearthquake,andtomakesurethatplanningforearthquakesandtsunamishasthehighpriorityitdeserves.Bybecominginformed,wecantakeactionstoprotectourselves,reducelossesandrecoverquickly.

What do I do? During an earthquake you should: • Ifyouareindoors,DROPandtakeCOVER

underasturdytableorotherfurniture.HOLDONtoitandstayputuntiltheshakingstops.

• Stayclearofitemsthatcanfallandinjureyou,suchaswindows,fireplacesandheavyfurniture.

• Stayinside.Youmaybeinjuredbybreakingglassandfallingobjectsifyourunoutside.

• Ifyouareatthecoast,walktohighergroundawayfromtheoceanassoonasitissafeforyoutomove.

• Ifyouaredriving,moveyourcarasfaroutofthenormaltrafficpatternaspossibleandstopifitissafe.Stayawayfromstructuresorobjectsthatcouldfallonyou,suchasbridges,overpasses,lightposts,powerlinesortrees.Stayinsideyourcar.

• Ifyouareinthemountains,ornearunstableslopes,bealertforfallingrocks,treesorlandslidesthatcouldbeloosenedbytheearthquake.

After an earthquake you should: • EVACUATEifyouareinaTSUNAMI

HAZARDZONE.Walkinlandortohighergroundassoonasitissafetodoso.Donotwaitforofficialnotification.Stayawayfromthecoastuntilofficialspermityoutoreturn.Checkforinjuries.Donotmoveseriously-injuredpersonsunlesstheyareinimmediatedanger.

• Checkforhazardssuchasfires,gasleaks,downedutilitylinesandfallenobjects.

• Cleanupanypotentiallyharmfulmaterialspills.Expectaftershocks.Aftershocksfollowinglargeearthquakescanbelargeanddamaging.

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Answer these questions before a disaster Duringanemergencyyou’llneedimmediateanswerstomanyquestions.Herearesomequestionsyoushouldanswerlongbeforeadisasterstrikes.

Where will my family be and how will I reach them? • Makesureyourfamilydisasterplanincludes:

- Childrenwhomaybeawayatschool,daycareoratotheractivities.

- Planningforpetsorlivestockifyouareawayfromhome.

- Anout-of-theareacontacttoconveyinformationtootherfriendsandfamilymembers.

• Discussyoursafetyandemergencyplanswitheveryoneinyourfamily.Remember—phonesystems,suchasland-basedandcellphones,andInternetcommunicationsmaybedisruptedoroverwhelmedalmostimmediately.Theroadsystemmayalsobedamagedmakingitdifficultorimpossibletotravel.

Where will I get medical help? • TakefirstaidandCPRclassestohelpyou

respondtomedicalemergencies.• Planforback-uppowerifmembersof

yourfamilyrequireelectricityforlife-savingmedicalequipment.Remember—the9-1-1systemwilllikelybeoverloadedorcompletelydown,ambulancesandemergencyvehicleswillbeoverwhelmedorhavelimitedaccess.Somemedicalfacilitiesmaynotbeoperational.

Am I prepared to live without the essentials? • Storewaterathome,workandinyour

carbecausedrinkingwaterwillbeinshortsupply.

• Keepatleasttwoweeks’worthoffoodandmedicineonhandforeveryoneinyourfamily.

• Fillupyourgastankfrequentlyandkeepitatleasthalffullbecausegasolinewillbescarce.Remember—utilitiesandwatersuppliesmaybedisruptedforweeks.

How will I pay for things? • Keepcashonhandbecausebanksmay

beclosedandcreditcardsunusable.Remember—ATMsarelikelytobeoutoforder.

How will I repair the damage to my home? • Examinewhatyourinsurancecoversand

considerearthquakeand/orfloodinsurance.• Minimizelossesbytakingactiontoreduce

yourhazards.Remember—constructionmaterialsandlaborforrepairswillbelimitedandcostsmayincrease.

Do I live, work or visit in a tsunami hazard zone? • Ifyouareinatsunamihazardarea,determine

yourevacuationroutesbeforehand—youmayonlyhave10to20minutestoreachasafezoneonfootafterfeelingaverystrongearthquakeatthecoast.

• Ifyouareinasafearea,typicallyabove100feetabovesealevel,stayput.Youwillnothavetoevacuate.Remember—therewillbenotimeforanofficialtsunamiwarningtoreachyouifthegroundshakesandyouareatthecoast.

LivingonShakyGround-Introduction 3

Who’s going to save you?Whocanyourelyontohelpyouafteradisaster?Whowillprovideyouwithfood,water,shelterandmedicalcare?Youmightbesurprisedbytheanswer:Youandyourneighbors!

Amajorearthquakeortsunamiwilllikelyoverwhelmlocallawenforcement,fire,otheremergencymedicalpersonnelandresources.Infact,itmaytakelocal,stateandfederalagenciesaweekormoretoprovidethemostbasicrelief.ThisisparticularlytrueinthemanylocationsonthecoastandinruralareasofOregon.Gettingpreparedtodaybyidentifyingandmitigatinghazards,readyingsupplies,anddevelopinganemergencyplanmaymakeallthedifferencetoyouandyourfamilyduringadisaster.

Earthquakes

You live in earthquake countryOregonisoneofthemostbeautifulplacesintheUnitedStatestolivewithitshighmountains,ruggedcoastanddramaticvistas.Thegeologicforcesthathavemadeitaspectacularplacetolivealsomakeitoneofthemostearthquake-pronespotsinthecontinentalUnitedStates.Forcesdeepwithintheearthhavefoldedandbrokengreatslabsoftheearth’soutersurfacetocreatetheCoastRangeandtheHighCascadevolcanoes.

HowseriouslyyouandyourcommunityareimpactedandhowquicklyyourecoverfromthenextlargeOregonearthquakeislargelyamatterofwhatyouknowandhowwellyoupreparefortheinevitable.Itisyourpersonalresponsibilitytogetpreparedandtohelpyourfamilydothesame.Howwellyoupreparewilldirectlyaffectthequalityoflifeyouhavefollowingtheearthquakeortsunami.

Plate tectonicsIfourplanetwerethesizeofanegg,theearth’soutermostlayerwouldbeaboutasthickastheeggshell.Thisshellisbrokenintoseveralpiecescalledplates,whichmoveaboutasfastasyourfingernailsgrow.Aplateboundaryiswhereoneplatemeetsanother.Atriplejunctionisanareawherethreeplatesorplateboundariesmeet.

Thevastmajorityoftheworld’searthquakesoccuratorneartheboundariesbetweenplates.Themostseismicallyactiveplateboundariesarecollisionzoneswhereoneplatedivesbeneathanadjacentplateinaprocessknownassubduction.WesternOregonislocatedontopofoneofthesezonesknownastheCascadiaSubductionZone.

SUPPLIES FOR FOURTEEN DAYSOregonOfficeofEmergencyManagementrecommendsthatyoustoreenoughfoodandwatertosurviveonyourownforaminimumoffourteendays.

InruralareasofOregon,itmaytakeevenlongerforassistancetoreachyou—plantobeonyourownforatleasttwoweeksormore.

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Plate motions load the faultsWheretheJuandeFucaoceanicplateandtheNorthAmericancontinentalplatemeetiscalledasubductionzone,becausethedenserJuandeFucaPlateisbeingpulledunderNorthAmerica.TheJuandeFucaPlateismovingtothenortheastataboutaninchayearastheNorthAmericanPlatemoveswest.TheOregoncoastlineisactuallybulgingupwardfromthetwoplatespushingagainsteachother.

In1993,aseriesofdamagingearthquakesstruckOregon.Themagnitude5.6ScottsMills(orSpringBreak)earthquakecausedover$30millionindamageinthePortlandmetroarea.Twomagnitude6.0earthquakeshittheKlamathFallsareathatsameyear,causingover$10millionindamageandonefatality.

IntheeventofamuchlargerCascadiaSubductionZoneearthquake,thedevastationwouldextendfromthecoasttotheCascadeRange,fromnorthernCaliforniatoBritishColumbia.Theresultingearthquakecouldbelargerthanthemagnitude8.8earthquakeandtsunamithatstruckChileinFebruary2010.

Our faultsFaultsareweakzonesintheearth’scrustwheretherockononesidehasmovedrelativetotheotherside.Somefaultsareverticalandthetwosidesmovehorizontallylikecarsonafreeway.Thrustfaultsslopelikearampandtherockabovethefaultispushedupandovertherockbelow.Thelargestfaultsoneartharethrustfaultsinsubductionzones.Anearthquakeiscausedwhentherock,milesbelowtheearth’ssurface,breaksalongthefaultandthetwosidessuddenlyslipinaprocesscalledfaultrupture.Thelargertherupturearea,thelargertheearthquake.Inotherwords,ittakesaverylongfaultrupturingtobealargemagnitudeearthquake,becausemagnitudemeasurestheamountofenergyreleasedwhenanearthquakefaultruptures.

Where earthquakes have occurred in the past, they will happen again

Thetwomagnitude6.0earthquakesthathittheKlamathFallsareain1993arethelargestearthquakesinrecordedhistoryinOregon(since1841).Wedon’tseemtogetalotoflargeearthquakeslikeourneighborstothesouthandactuallygetsixtimeslessthanthestateofWashington.

NotallearthquakesthataffectOregonarecenteredhere.In1964,themagnitude9.2GreatAlaskaSubductionZoneEarthquakegeneratedatsunamithatcausedhundredsofthousandsofdollars’damagetocoastalOregoncitiesandkilledfourchildrenatthecoast.

Types of earthquakesOffshore earthquakes BesidesgreatCascadiaSubductionZoneearthquakes,therearemanyotherearthquakesoffshorealongtheBlancoFractureZoneandtheMendocinoTripleJunction,areasadjacenttothe

MYTH #1: INVEST IN BEACH-FRONT PROPERTY IN IDAHO DespiteHollywoodmoviespecialeffects,largechunksofthecoastdonotfallintotheoceanduringanearthquake.Earthquakesactuallyhelpkeepthelandabovesealevel.Ifitweren’tfortheupliftassociatedwiththem,allofthecontinentallandmasseswouldhavebeenleveledjustabouttosealevellongago.InabigCascadiaSubductionZoneearthquake,partsoftheOregoncoastmaydropafewfeet,butotherpartswillbepushedupwardevenhigher.

LivingonShakyGround-Earthquakes 5

JuandeFucaPlate,wheretwoormoretectonicplatesareslidingnexttoeachother.Theyareusuallyfarenoughoffshorethattheyarenotfelt,buteverysooftentheyarelargeenoughtocausedamageinland.Themagnitude6.5earthquake,33milesoffthecoastofEureka,CaliforniainJanuary,2010,causedmorethan$43millionindamage.Foroffshoreearthquakeslargerthanmagnitude7.0,tsunamialertsmaybeissued.

Onshore earthquakes ThemostdamagingOregonearthquakesinthepastcenturywerecausedbyshallowcrustalfaultsonshore,andearthquakesassmallasmagnitude5.0cancausedamage.Geologiststhinktheseonshorefaultsarecapableofproducingearthquakesuptoaboutmagnitude6.5,roughlytheequivalentoftheearthquakethatstrucktheLosAngelesareain1994thatcausedmorethen$20billionindamage.

The Big One – The Cascadia Subduction Zone Theworld’slargestfaultsareassociatedwithsubductionzonesandhaveproducedearthquakesintheM9+range!ThelastgreatearthquakeontheCascadiaSubductionZoneoccurredin1700,alittlemorethan300yearsago.Geologistshavefoundevidenceofatleast40greatCascadiaearthquakesduringthepast10,000years—andestimatetheyoccurirregularlyatintervalsanywherebetween200and800years.ThenextCascadiaearthquakemaybesimilartotheearthquakethatsetoffthe2004IndianOceantsunami.ItcouldcausestronggroundshakingfromnorthernCaliforniatosouthernCanadalastingforuptofiveminutes.Itwillalsoproduceatsunamithatcouldaffectnotonlyourcoast,butothercountriesthroughoutthePacificBasin.

Most earthquake damage is caused by shakingDamagefromearthquakesismainlyduetoshaking.Howstronglythegroundshakesinaparticularlocationisaresultofearthquakemagnitude,thedistanceawayfromtheearthquakesource,theorientationandtypeoffaultmovement,andthetypeofgroundmaterialsuchasbedrockorsoftsoil.Anareathatdidnotshakestronglyinoneearthquakemaybeseverelyaffectedinanother.ManyareasofOregonhaveexperiencedstronggroundshakinginthepastandwillagaininthefuture.

Groundshakingcancausepoorly-builtstruc-turestocollapse.SeismicdesignrequirementsinOregonweren’tputinplaceuntilthe1970’s,somanyolderbuildingsarevulnerabletodamage.Themostlikelyresultofgroundshaking,however,isfallingitemswithinhomesandbusinesses.Lights,televisionsets,bookshelves,cupboardcontentsandotherobjectscantoppleoverandinjureyou!

YourhomeorbusinessmayescapemajordamageinthenextOregonearthquake,butdownedpowerlines,damagedbridgesandbrokenwaterlineswilldisruptinfrastructureandcouldisolateyouathome,atworkorinyourcar.Theactionsyoutakenowtoplanandtostrengthenyourhomewillreduceyourlosses.

Earthquakes also cause damage in other ways

Dam failures

Earthquakeshakingandfaultrupturecansometimescausedamstofail,potentiallycreatingcatastrophicdownstreamflooding,reducedwatersupplyandcontamination.Havinganemergencyplanthatdealswithanupstreamdamisagoodidea.

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Damaged infrastructure

Earthquakesoftendamageroadsandbridges,whichcanhinderrescueandrecoveryeffortsandmaycauseaccidents.Rupturedpipelinesresultinwaterlossandcancause“sinkholes”thatundermineroadsandbuildings.

Damagetogasandelectricalsystemscancausefires,aswellasmajorserviceoutages.Communicationscanalsobedisruptedforlongperiodsoftime.

Landslides

Earthquakescantriggerlandslidesthatdamageroads,buildings,pipelinesandotherinfrastructure.Oregonhassteepslopesunderlainbylooserockthatishighlysusceptibletolandslides.Landslidesmaytemporarilydamriversandcauseadestructivefloodhazardwhentheriversbreakthrough.

Destructive fires

Earthquakesandtsunamisareoftenfollowedbyfiresbecausegaslinesmaybreak,electricalshortscausesparks,damagedwatertanksandbrokenpipeslimitwaterforfirefighting,anddamagedroadspreventfirefighteraccess.

Liquefaction

Stronggroundshakingcancauseloosesoilandfilltobehavelikealiquid.Liquefiedgroundlosesitsstrengthcausingslumpsandfracturesthatcandisruptroadsandcauseburiedgasandwaterlinestobreak.Thishazardisgreatestinsaturatedlow-lyingareasofloose,sandysoilsorpoorlycompactedfill.

Surface rupture

Faultmovementscanbreakthegroundsurface,damagingbuildingsandotherstructuresandbreakingpipelines.

Hazardous material releases

Chemicals,pesticides,andotherhazardousmaterialscanbereleasedwhenindustrialplants,laboratories,andotherfacilitiesaredamagedinanearthquake.

Earthquake Early WarningEarthquakeearlywarningsystemsuseearthquakescienceandthetechnologyofmonitoringsystemstoalertdevicesandpeoplewhenshakingwavesgeneratedbyanearthquakeareexpectedtoarriveattheirlocation.Thesecondstominutesofadvancewarningcanallowpeopleandsystemstotakeactionstoprotectlifeandpropertyfromdestructiveshaking.TheU.S.GeologicalSurvey(USGS),incollaborationwithseveralpartners,hasbeenworkingtodevelopanearlywarningsystemfortheUnitedStates.ShakeAlert,asystemcurrentlyunderdevelopment,isdesignedtocoverthewestcoaststatesofCalifornia,OregonandWashington.

TheShakeAlertsystemisstillunderdevelopmentandisstillafewyearsfrombeingwidelyaccessiblebythepublic.Inthefuture,youwilllikelyreceivenoticesonyourmobiledevice,soitisimportantthatyouknowwhattodo.TakeprotectiveactionsbydoingDROP,COVERandHOLDONuntiltheshakinghaspassed.YoucanfindmoreinformationontheUSGSwebsite,www.usgs.gov.

MYTH #2: SMALL EARTHQUAKES PREVENT BIG ONES FROM HAPPENING Smallearthquakesreleaseverylittleenergycomparedtolargeones.ToequalthereleaseofenergyofanM9.0earthquake,wewouldneedalmostonemillionM5.0earthquakes!

LivingonShakyGround-Earthquakes 7

Thirty suggestions to make your home earthquake safe

Step 1: Identify hazards 1. Knowwhetheryoulive,workorplay

inatsunamihazardzone.2. Hangplantsinlightweightpotswith

closedhooks,wellsecuredtoajoistorstudandfarawayfromwindows.

3. Storefireextinguisher(typeABC)ineasilyaccessiblelocation.

4. Installstronglatchesonkitchencabinets.

5. Useflexibleconnectionswheregaslinesmeetappliances.

6. Removeorlockrefrigeratorwheels,securetostuds.

7. Keepseveralflashlightsineasilyaccessibleplacesaroundthehouse.

8. Securevaluableelectronicsitemssuchascomputersandtelevisions.

9. Keepbreakablesinloworsecurecabinetswithlatches.

10. Moveheavyplantsandotherlargeitemstofloororlowshelves.

11. Hangmirrorsandpicturesonclosedhooks.

12. Securefree-standingwoodstoveorfireplaceinsert.

13. Keepheavyunstableobjectsawayfromdoorsandexitroutes.

14. Placebedawayfromwindowsoritemsthatmayfall.

15. Secureknickknacksandothersmallvaluableswithmuseumputty.

16. Braceoverheadlightfixtures.17. Placeonlylightweight/softitems

overbed.

18. Securetop-heavyfurnituretostuds.19. Keepwrenchorturn-offtoolin

waterproofwrapneargasmeter.20. Knowthelocationofyourmain

electricalswitch(fuseboxorcircuitbreaker).

21. Securewaterheaterwithmetalstrapsattachedtostuds.

22. Trimhazardoustreelimbs.

Step 2: Create a plan 23. Haveyouremergencyplanaccessible

anddiscusswithallfamilymembers.

Step 3: Prepare disaster kits 24. ObtainaNOAAWeatherRadio

withthePublicAlertfeaturetonotifyyouoftsunamisandotherhazards.

25. Keepanemergencybackpackwithcopiesofimportantdocumentsnearthedoortograbandgo.

26. Keepflashlight,slippersandglovesnexttobeds.

27. Keepgastankatleasthalffull.28. Storeemergencyfoodandwater

suppliesinadryaccessiblearea.Includefirstaidkit,extracash,portableradio,extrabatteries,medicationsandothernecessarysupplies.

Step 4: Strengthen your home 29. Useanchorboltsevery4to6feetto

securehometofoundation.30. Reinforcebrickchimneys.

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Tsunamis

What is a tsunami?Atsunami(soo-nah-me)isaseriesofwavesorsurgesthatismostoftencausedbyalargeearthquakeoffshore.

Tsunamiscancausegreatlossoflifeandpropertydamageincoastalareas.Verylargetsunamiscancausedamagetocoastalregionsthousandsofmilesawayfromtheearthquakethatcausedthem.

Since1854,29tsunamishaveimpactedtheOregoncoast.Ofthese,the1964GreatAlaskaandthe2011Tōhoku,Japanearthquakesresultedinconsiderabledamagetoportsandharbors.Forexample,the1964AlaskaearthquakecauseddamagetocommunitiessuchasCannonBeachandSeaside,andcostthelivesoffourpeopleatBeverlyBeach.In2011,theJapantsunamicausedmillionsofdollarsindamagetoseveralports,includingtheportsofDepoeBay,CoosBayandBrookingsharbor.

Oregon gets two kinds of tsunami - know how to correctly respond to them Distant – caused by a large earthquake elsewhere in Pacific Ocean• Willtakehoursbeforeitarrivesonthe

Oregoncoast• Onlyimpactscoastline• TsunamiWarningSystemeffective

Local – caused by a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake• WilltakeminutestoarriveonOregoncoast• Earthquakeshakingisyouronlywarning• WillimpactentirePacificNorthwest

Onlydistanttsunamis,whichtakehourstoarriveonOregon’scoast,willhaveanofficialwarning.Thereisn’tenoughtimeduringalocalCascadiatsunamitoissueawarning.TheCascadiaearthquakeshakingistheonlywarning.Youmustevacuateassoonaspossible!

If the earthquake lasts 20 seconds or more, has strong shaking and you are in a tsunami hazard zone, evacuate to a safe area as soon as you can safely walk.

LivingonShakyGround-Tsunamis 9

How will I know if a tsunami is coming? Youmayfindoutthatatsunamiiscoming intwoways:

Natural warnings (local tsunami)• STRONGGROUNDSHAKING• Aloudoceanroar• Waterrecedingunusuallyfarexposingthe

seafloor

Ifyouobserveanyofthesewarningsigns,immediatelywalktohighergroundorinland.Atsunamimayarrivewithinminutesanddamagingsurgesmaycontinueforeighthoursorlonger.Stayawayfromcoastalareasuntilofficialspermityoutoreturn.

Official warnings (distant tsunami)YoumaybenotifiedthataTsunamiWarninghasbeenissuedviaNOAAweatherradios,TV,radiostations,socialmedia,door-to-doorcontactbyemergencyresponders,orinsomecases,byout-doorsirensandannouncementsfromairplanes.Moveawayfromthebeachandseekmoreinforma-tionwithoutusingaphone.Tuneintolocalradioortelevisionstationsformoreinformation.Followthedirectionsofemergencypersonnelwhomayaskyoutoevacuatelow-lyingcoastalareas.

Goonfoot.Roadsandbridgesmaybedamagedbystronggroundshaking.Avoiddownedpowerlines—somemayretainachargeevenwhentheyareontheground.Ifevacuationisimpossible,gototheupperfloorofasturdybuildingorclimbatree—butonlyasalastresort.

Be Prepared • Lookfortheblueandwhitetsunami

evacuationsignsalongthecoast.• Assembleasmallevacuationkitor“togo

bag”(essentialdocuments,medications,flashlight,portableNOAAweatherradioandbatteries,water,snack,warmclothes).

• Prepareareunificationplanwithyourfamily.Decidewhenandwhereyouwillmeetifyouareseparated.Designateanoutofstaterelativeorfriendfortheindividualsinyourfamilytocallifitisnotpossibletomeetatyourreunificationspot.

• Makeplansforhowtoaddressanyneedsordisabilitiesyoumighthave.

Findoutmore: www.shakeout.org/california/downloads/ShakeOut_Tsunami_Drill.pdfTsunami Waves May Arrive for Hours

STAY THERE!

The Shaking is Your Tsunami WarningGO TO HIGH GROUND OR INLAND!

Protect Yourself During EarthquakesDROP! COVER! HOLD ON!

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The seven steps for earthquake & tsunami safety

Seven steps that may save your lifeEarthquakesandtsunamisareinevitablebutthedamageisnot—eveninagreatearthquakeontheCascadiaSubductionZone.Mostdamageandlosscanbereducedbystepsyoutakebefore,during,andafterthequakes.Thefollowingsevenstepsincludeactionstokeepyouandyourlovedonessafe,reducepotentialdamage,andhelpyoutorecoverquickly.Thesestepsshouldalsobefollowedinschools,workplacesandotherfacilities.Byfollowingthem,countlesscasualtiescanbeavoidedandmillionsofdollarssaved.

Preparationisthekeytosurvivingadisaster—thatmuchisclear—butwhereshouldyoustart?Startbytalking—talktoyourfamily,friends,neighborsandco-workersaboutwhatyou’velearnedinthishandbookaboutearthquakesandtsunamisinOregon.Thendiscusswhatyouhavedonetoprepareandtogetherplanyournextsteps.

Manypeopleareoverwhelmedbythemereprospectofanaturaldisasterand,asaresult,don’tprepareatall.Donotfallintothattrap.Sitdownwithfriendsandworkonanemergencykitandplan.Youcanstarttodaybyfollowingthesesevensteps.

Visitwww.earthquakecountry.orgforinstructionsandresources.

STEP 1: Identify potential earthquake and tsunami hazardsThefirststeptoearthquakeandtsunamisafetyistorecognizeyourhazards.

Lookaroundyourhomeandworkplaceandidentifyobjectsthatmightfallorshiftduringshaking.Additionalinformation,includinghow-toinstructions,isavailableatwww.shakeout.org/OregonandfromyourlocalAmericanRedCrossoffice.

Startnowbyidentifyingitemsthatmayfall,toppleorslide.Securepotentiallyhazardousandvaluableitems.

Hanging objects

• Placeonlysoftartabovebedsandsofas.• Hangmirrorsandpicturesonclosedhooks.• Braceoverheadlightfixtures.

Objects on open shelves and tabletops

• Holdsmallvaluablesinplacewithremovableputty,museumwaxorquakegel.

• Addlipstoshelvestopreventcostlyitemsfromsliding.

• Moveheavyobjectsandbreakablestolowershelves.

Kitchens

• Installstronglatchesoncabinetdoors.• Securerefrigeratorsandmajorappliances.

Wood stoves

• Anchorstovefeetbyboltingtofloororcreat-ingbrickandmortarbracingtokeepstovefromsliding.Note:Anchorsmustnotconductheat.

• Bracestovepipes.

Garages and utility rooms

• Moveflammableorhazardousmaterialtolowcabinetsthataresecurelylatched.

• Ensurethatitemsstoredaboveorbesidevehiclecannotfall.

LivingonShakyGround-Thesevenstepsforearthquake&tsunamisafety 11

Water and gas pipes

• Evaluate,replaceandproperlysecurerustedorwornpipes.

• Replacerigidgasconnectionswithflexiblestainlesssteelgasconnections.

Above ground propane tanks

• Propanetankscanbeanchoredbymountingthetankonacontinuousconcretepadandboltingthefourlegstothepad.

Water heaters

• Anchortowallstudsormasonrywithmetalstrapsandlagscrews.

• Installflexible(corrugated)copperwaterconnectors.

Home and office electronics

• Securetelevisions,computers,soundsystemsandotherelectronicswithflexiblenylonstrapsandbuckles.

Furniture

• Storeheavyandbreakableitemsonlowershelves.

• Securetallfurnituretowallstudswithlagbolts.

Start now by determining if you live, work or play in a tsunami hazard zone

Knowyourrisk.Usesignsandmapstofindoutwhichareasarehazardous.Nosignsormapsforyourarea?Gotowww.OregonTsunami.org tofindatsunamievacuationmapthatyoucandownload.

STEP 2: Create a disaster preparedness planWilleveryoneinyourhouseholdknowwhattododuringtheviolentshakingofastrongearthquakeorwhenatsunamiwarninghasbeenissued?Doyouknowhowtogetintouchwitheachotherafterwards?Beforethenextearthquakeortsunami,talktoyourfamily,housemates,orco-workersandplanwhateachpersonwilldobefore,duringandafteranearthquakeortsunami.

Aftertheshakingstopsorthewavesrecede,power,utilities,communicationsystemsandroadsmaybeout;firesandchemicalspillsmayoccur;youmaybeseparatedfromchildren,petsandotherfamilymembers.Planningforearthquakesandtsunamiswillalsoprepareyouforothermorefrequentemergenciessuchasstorms,firesandflooding.

Plan now to be safe during an earthquake

• PracticeDROP,COVERandHOLDON (seestep5,page16).

• Identifysafespotsineveryroom,suchasundersturdydesksandtables.

• Learnhowtoprotectyourselfnomatterwhereyouarewhenanearthquakestrikes.

Plan now to respond after an earthquake or tsunami

• Getafireextinguisherforyourhomeandlearnhowtouseitproperly.

• Teacheveryoneinyourhouseholdtouseemergencywhistlesandtoknockthreetimesrepeatedlyiftrapped.

• Identifyfamilymembersorneighborswithspecialneedssuchasmedications,specialdietsandwheelchairs.

• TakeaRedCrossFirstAidandCardiopulmonaryResuscitation(CPR)classorrefreshercourse.

• Knowthelocationofutilityshut-offsandkeepneededtoolsnearby.Onlyturnoffthe

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gasifyousmellorhearleakinggas.Onlythegascompanyshouldturnthegasbackon.

• Installsmokealarmsandcheckthemmonthly.Changebatteriesonceayearorwheneveryouheara”chirping”sound.

• Workwithyourneighborstoidentifypeoplewhohaveskillsandresourcesusefulinanemergency.

• Knowthetsunamihazardzonesinyourcommunityandhowtogettosafeareas.Recognizethenaturalwarningsignsofatsunami—stronggroundshaking,waterrecedingunusuallyfar,and/oraloudroarfromtheocean—andmakesureeveryoneinyourfamilyknowstoimmediatelyevacuateiftheyareinahazardzone.

• Knowhowyoumaybenotifiedifatsunamiwarningisissued.ConsideraNOAAWeatherRadiowiththePublicAlertfeatureifyouliveorworkinornearatsunamihazardzone.

• Ifatsunamiwarningisissued,getoffthebeachandtuneintoyourradioortelevisionforfurtherinstructionsonwhattodo.

• IsthereaCommunityEmergencyResponseTeam(CERT)inyourarea?Ifnot,gotowww.ready.gov/community-emergency-response-teamandfindouthowtostartone.

Plan now to communicate and recover after an earthquake or tsunami

• Selectasafeplaceoutsideofyourhometomeetyourfamilyorhousematesaftertheshakingstops.

• Identifyanout-of-theareacontactpersontocallwhocanrelayinformationtootherfriendsandfamily.

• Provideallfamilymemberswithacurrentlistofimportantcontacttelephonenumbers.

• Determinewhereyoumightstayifyourhomecannotbeoccupiedafteranearthquakeortsunami.

• Askaboutyourchildren’sschoolordaycareemergencyresponseplans.Keepemergencyreleaseinformationcurrent.

• Talktoyourinsuranceagentaboutyourcoverageforearthquakeandtsunamilosses.

• Makecopiesofimportantdocumentssuchasidentification,deeds,insurancepolicies,andfinancialrecordsinasecure,waterproofcontainer.Includeahouseholdinventoryofyourbelongings.

STEP 3: Prepare disaster supply kitsEveryoneshouldhavepersonaldisastersupplykits.Keepthemwhereyouspendmostofyourtime,sotheycanbereachedevenifyourbuildingisdamagedorifyouneedtoquicklyevacuateoutofatsunamihazardzone.Keeponekitinyourhome,anotherinyourcar,andathirdkitatwork.

Personal/office disaster supply kit

• Medications,prescriptionlist,copiesofmedicalcards,doctors’names,andcontactinformation

• Medicalconsentformsfordependentsandcopiesofpersonalidentification

• First-aidkitandhandbook• Non-latexgloves,dustmasks• Spareeyeglassesorcontactlensesand

cleaningsolution• Whistle(toalertrescuerstoyourlocation)• Sturdyshoes,changeofclothes,blanket• Emergencycash(ATMsrequirepowerand

mightnotwork)• Localroadmaps• Listofemergencyout-of-areacontactphone

numbers• Bottledwater,snackfoodshighinwaterand

calories• Flashlightwithextrabatteriesandlightbulbs• Comfortitemssuchasgames,crayons,

writingmaterials,stuffedanimals• Toiletriesandpersonalcaresupplies• Extrakeysforcar,home,office,safedeposit

box,etc.

LivingonShakyGround-Thesevenstepsforearthquake&tsunamisafety 13

Household disaster supply kit– supplies for at least fourteen days

Storeinaneasilyaccessiblelocation,preferablyoutdoors,inalargewatertight,easily-movedcontainer.Replaceperishableitemslikewater,food,medicationsandbatteriesonayearlybasis.

• Water(minimumonegallonadayforeachpersonandpet)

• Wrenchesorotherspecialtoolstoturnoffgasandwatersupplies

• Workglovesandprotectivegoggles• Heavydutyplasticbagsforwaste,andto

serveastarps,rainponchos,etc.Includeducttape.

• Portableorhand-crankedradiowithextrabatteries

• Additionalflashlightsorlightsticks• Cannedandpackagedfood• Charcoalorpropaneforoutdoorcooking

andmatchesifneeded• Cookingutensilsandamanualcanopener• Petfood,petcarrierandrestraints• Comfortable,warmclothingincludingextra

socks• Blanketsand/orsleepingbags,andperhapsa

tent• Copiesofvitaldocuments(deeds,insurance,

bankaccountsetc.)

Car disaster supply kit

Decidewhatitemsinyourpersonalkitareabsolutenecessitiesandadd:

• Anadditional6-packofwater• Tirerepairkit,booster/jumpercables,pump

andflares,whitedistressflagorsilverspaceblanket

• Seasonalsupplies:winter(blanket,hat,mittens,shovel,sand,chains,windshieldscraper);summer(sunscreenandhat)

STEP 4: Identify potential weaknesses and begin to fix themInStep 1,youlearnedtorecognizethehazardsthatareeasytoseesuchasitemsthatcanfallorslideinanearthquakeandwhetheryouareinatsunamihazardzone.Nowitistimetodigalittledeeperandlookathowwellyourbuildingwillwithstandstronggroundshaking,andifyourcommunityhasdevelopedtheprotocolsthatwillallowittoprovidetsunamiwarningsandguideyoutosafety.

Common building problems

Buildingsaredesignedtowithstandthedownwardpullofgravity,yetearthquakesshakeabuildinginalldirections—upanddown,butmostofall,fromsidetoside.Thefollowingpresentssomecommonstructuralproblemsandhowtorecognizethem.

Inadequate foundations

• Lookunderyourhouseatyourfoundation.Lookforboltsinthemudsills.Theyshouldbenomorethansixfeetapartinasinglestoryandfourfeetapartinamultistorybuilding.

Unbraced cripple walls

• Homeswithacrawlspaceshouldhavepanelsofplywoodconnectingthestudsoftheshort“cripple”walls.

Soft first stories

• Lookforlargeopeningsinthelowerfloor,suchasagaragedoororahousebuiltonstilts.Consultaprofessionaltodetermineifyourbuildingisadequatelybraced.

Unreinforced masonry

• ThemosttypicaltypeofunreinforcedmasonryinOregonisbrick.Whiletherearefewbrickhomesinourarea,manyolderbuildingshaveunreinforcedbrickchimneys.Ifyourhousehasbrickorblocksasastructuralelement,consultaprofessionaltofindwhatcanbedoneandtodetermineifitissafe.

14 OregonOfficeofEmergencyManagement

If you live in a mobile home

Mobilehomescaneasilyslideofftheirfoundationsifnotproperlysecuredtoresistsidetosidemotion.Lookunderyourhome—ifyouonlyseeametalorwood“skirt”ontheoutsidewithconcreteblocksorsteeltripods/jackssupportingyourhome,youneedtohavean“earthquakeresistantbracingsystem”(ERBS)installed.

For those who rent

Asarenter,youhavelesscontroloverthestructuralintegrityofyourbuilding,butyoudocontrolwhichapartmentorhouseyourent.

Whenlookingforhousing,remember:

• Apartmentbuildingshavetomeetthesamecodesandstructuralrequirementsashouses.

• Avoidrentalunitsmadeofunreinforcedmasonryorthosewith“tuck-under”parkingspacesonthegroundfloor.

• Considerthesafetyofattachedstructuressuchasstairwaysandbalconies,whichcanbreakduringanearthquake.

Askyourlandlordthesequestions:

• Whatretrofittinghasbeendoneonthisbuilding?

• Hasthewaterheaterbeenstrappedtothewallstuds?

• MayIsecurefurnituretothewalls?

Tsunamis

Doesyourcommunity:

• Haveplanstonotifyyouifatsunamiwarningisissued?

• Haveadesignatedevacuationzoneandpostedtsunamihazardsigns?

• Practiceevacuationdrills?• Conducttsunamieducationandawareness

campaigns?

YourcommunitydoesalloftheaboveandmoreifithasbeenrecognizedbytheNationalWeatherServiceasTsunamiReady.TheTsunamiReady

programsetsguidelinesforadequatetsunamireadiness,includingtheabilitytoreceiveandsendouttsunamiwarnings,designationoftsunamihazardzonesandevacuationroutes,andoutreachprogramsthataddressbothnaturalandofficialwarnings.

FindoutifyourcommunityisrecognizedasTsunamiReadyatwww.weather.gov/TsunamiReady.Ifitisn’t,findoutwhatyoucandotoencourageyourcommunitytogainthisrecognition.

Special considerations

Children

Earthquakesandtsunamismaybetraumaticeventsforallofus.Theyareespeciallyfrighteningforchildrenwhomaynotunderstandsucheventsandfeelanxiousandconfused.Afteranearthquake,achildfearsreoccurrenceandinjuries,andbeingseparatedfromotherfamilymembers.Seeingaparentorotheradultbecomefrightenedaddstoachild’sanxiety.Repeatedaftershockscanincreasethesefears.Youcanhelptoalleviateyourchild’sfearsbeforethenextearthquake.

• Talkwithchildrenaboutwhatmighthappenduringanearthquakeortsunami.Letthemaskquestions.

• Involvechildreninreducinghazards,puttingtogetheranearthquakekit,andindevelopinganearthquakeplan.Includeemergencyinformationinyourchild’sbackpack.Practicefamilyearthquakedrills.

TIP: A SPACE BLANKET NOT ONLY KEEPS YOU WARM AND DRY, ITS REFLECTIVE SURFACE CAN BE USED TO SIGNAL FOR HELP.

LivingonShakyGround-Thesevenstepsforearthquake&tsunamisafety 15

After the earthquake

• Keepthefamilytogether.• Reassurechildren.• Encouragechildrentotalkordrawpictures

abouttheirexperience.• Includechildreninearthquakecleanupand

safetyactivitieswheneverpossibleandageappropriate.

• Takeparticularcareatbedtime.Childrenmayhavedifficultysleeping,maywakeupfrequently,and/orhavenightmaresforweeksormonthsafterwards.Allowingachildtosharearoomwithanotherchildorparentsmayalleviatethesefears.

Fragile, elderly and disabled

Personswithanyspecialconsiderationsneedtotakeextraprecautions.

• Realisticallyassessyourownspecialneedsandthoseoffamilymembersandwritethemdown.Includemedicationsandspecialequip-mentsuchasventilatorsandoxygentanks.

• Keepmedications,duplicateprescriptions,glasses,andanyspecialequipmentinasafeplacewheretheycanbeeasilyreached.

• Keepanotebook,pencils,awhistleandflashlightinseverallocationsifyouhavedifficultyincommunicating.

• Includesuppliesforseeingeye,hearingorcompaniondogs.

During and after an earthquake

• Ifyouareinawheelchair,lockthewheelsofthechaironceyouareinasafeandprotectedposition.

• Ifunabletomovesafelyandquickly,staywhereyouare,eveninbed,andcoveryourheadandbodywithyourarms,pillowsandblankets.

• Useyourwhistletocallforhelpandsignalothersifyouneedit.Tofindoutmoreabouthowchildrenandadultsreacttoemergenciesandhowyoucanhelp,contactyourlocalmentalhealthdepartment.

Pets and Livestock

Don’tforgetyourpetsinyourearthquakeandtsunamiplan.

• Includeextrapetfoodandmedicationsinyourdisasterkits.

• Considerimplantingyourpetwithanidentificationmicrochipsothatifyouandyourpetareseparated,youcanbeeasilyreunited.

• Manyemergencysheltersdon’tallowpets.Preparealistoffamily,friendsandotherlocationsthatcouldshelteryourpetsinanemergency.Emergencypreparednessisparticularlyimportantforlivestockownersbecauseoftheirfoodandshelterneeds,anddifficultiesintransportinglargeornumerousanimals.

• Makesureeveryanimalhasdurableandvisibleidentification.

• Identifyalternatewaterandpowersources.Ageneratorwithasafelystoredsupplyoffuelmaybeessentialifyouhaveelectricalequipmentnecessarytothewell-beingofyouranimals.

• Ifyouuseheatlampsorotherelectricalmachinery,makesurethewiringissafeandthatanyheatsourceisclearofflammabledebris.

Strengthening your “pier and post” foundation

“Pierandpost”or“postandbeam”foundationsconsistofwoodenpostsonisolatedconcretefootings,whichsupporttheentirestructure.ManyhomesinruralOregonusethisfoundationsystem.Thistypeisparticularlyvulnerabletothestrongside-to-sideshakingfromearthquakes.Thereisnoquestionthatthebestfoundationtoresistearthquakeshakingisacontinuousperimeterfoundation,butformanyOregonresidents,thecostofinstallingsuchafoundationisprohibitive.

16 OregonOfficeofEmergencyManagement

Itispossible,however,tostrengthenyourpierandpostfoundationatrelativelylowcost.Thebracingsystemwillincreaseresistancetolateralforcesforyourhome.Thebracingshouldbeinstalledaroundtheperimeterofthestructureand,ataminimum,everysecondlineofinteriorposts.Thistypeofstrengtheningshouldbeconsideredadequateforshorttermstabilizationuntilyouareabletoinstallapermanent,concrete,perimetersystem.

Findoutmoreatwww.earthquakecountry.org.

STEP 5: protect yourself during an earthquake – drop, cover and hold on

INDOORS

Drop,coverandholdon:

• Dropdowntothefloorandtakecoverunderasturdydesk,tableorotherfurniture.

• Holdontothetableordeskandbepreparedtomovewithit.Holdthepositionuntilthegroundstopsshakinganditissafetomove.

Ifthereisnonearbytableordesk:

• Sitontheflooragainstaninsidewall,awayfromwindows,tallfurnitureorbookcases.

• Protectyourheadandneckwithyourarms.• Ifyouareelderlyorhavemobility

impairment,remainwhereyouare,bracingyourselfinplace.

• Avoidexteriorwalls,windows,hangingobjects,mirrors,tallfurniture,largeappliances,andcabinetswithheavyobjectsorglass.

DONOTGOOUTSIDEWHILETHEGROUNDISSHAKING!

In bed

• Ifyouareinbed,staythere,holdonandprotectyourheadwithapillow.

In a multistory building

• Drop,coverandholdon.Donotuseelevators.Donotbesurprisedifsprinklersystemsorfirealarmsactivate.

If you are outside

• Movetoaclearareaifyoucansafelydoso.Avoidpowerlines,trees,signs,buildings,vehiclesandotherhazards.

Driving

• Pullovertothesideoftheroad,stopandsettheparkingbrake.Avoidoverpasses,bridges,powerlines,signsandotherhazards.Stayinsidethevehicleuntiltheshakingisover.Ifpowerlinesfallonyourvehicle,stayinsideuntilatrainedpersonremovesthem.

If you are in a theater or stadium

• Stayatyourseat.Duckdownandprotectyourheadandneckwithyourarms.Ifyoucan’tduckundertheseat,atleastputyourheadandupperbodyundertheseat.Don’ttrytoleaveuntiltheshakingstops.Thenexitslowly,watchingforfallendebrisorforanythingthatcouldfallonyouintheaftershocks.Staycalmandencourageotherstodolikewise.

If you are in the mountains

• Avoidunstableslopesorcliffs,andwatchforfallingrockanddebris.

LivingonShakyGround-Thesevenstepsforearthquake&tsunamisafety 17

Step 6: Evacuate if necessary – check for injuries and damageThepreviousstepshaveconcentratedongettingreadyforthenextearthquakeortsunami.Whatshouldyoudowhilethegroundisshaking?

Evacuate if you are in a tsunami hazard zone

Foralargelocalearthquake,feelingstronggroundshakingmaybetheonlywarningyouwillgetthatatsunamiisonitsway.Usetsunamihazardmapsandpostedhazardzonesignstoidentifysafeevacuationareas(Step1).Refertopage8formoreinformationabouttsunamis.

Donotwaitforanofficialwarning.

If you are at the beach

• Movetohighergroundimmediately–nomatterhowsmalltheearthquake.

If you are in a tsunami hazard zone and the earthquake is very strong

• Immediatelygatheryourfamilymembers,grabyourtsunamidisasterkit,andWALKtoasafearea.

If evacuation is impossible

• Gototheupperfloorofasturdybuildingorclimbatree.THISSHOULDONLYBEALASTRESORT.

If you are not in a tsunami hazard zone

• STAYWHEREYOUARE.YOUARENOTATRISKOFATSUNAMI.Unnecessaryevacuationwillputyouatriskandhampertheevacuationofpeoplewhoreallyneedtogetawayfromdanger.

Check for injuries

Onceyouareinasafearea,checkforinjuriesanddamage.Firsttakecareofyourownsituation—checkyourselfforinjuriessoyoucanhelpothers.Aftershocksmaycauseadditionaldamage,sogettoasafelocationandtakeyourdisastersupplykitwithyou.Onceyouaresafe,helpothersandcheckfordamage.Protectyourselfbywearingsturdyshoesandworkglovestoavoidinjuryfrombrokenglassanddebris.Wearadustmaskandeyeprotectionifyouhavethem.

Ifyouaretrappedunderdebris,protectyourmouth,noseandeyesfromdust.Ifyouarebleeding,putpressureonthewoundandelevatetheinjuredpart.Signalforhelpwithyouremergencywhistle,acellphone,ortaponpipeorwall,threetimeseveryfewminutes,tohelprescuerslocateyou.Don’tshout—shoutingwillwearyououtandcancauseyoutoinhaledangerousamountsofdust.

MYTH #3: THE “TRIANGLE OF LIFE” IS THE BEST WAY TO PROTECT YOURSELF INSIDE A BUILDING NOTTRUE.Thebestsurvivalmethodinsideabuildingistodrop,coverandholdon.TheTriangleofLifeadvocatesthatyougetnexttoalargeobjectratherthancrouchbeneathadeskortable.Thiswillexposeyoutolacerationsandcrushinginjuriesfromfallingobjectsanddebris.Almostallscientific,governmentandrelieforganizations,includingtheRedCross,haveexaminedtheTriangleofLifeandareunanimousinrecommendingthatyouDROP,COVERandHOLDON.Findoutmoreatwww.earthquakecountry.org/dropcoverholdon.

18 OregonOfficeofEmergencyManagement

• Useyourfirst-aidkitorthefrontpagesofyourtelephonebookfordetailedinstructionsonfirst-aidmeasuressuchasstoppingbleeding,rescuebreathingandCPR(cardiopulmonaryresuscitation).

• Donotmoveseriously-injuredpersonsunlesstheyareinimmediatedangeroffurtherinjuries.

• Coverinjuredpersonswithblanketsoradditionalclothingtokeepthemwarm.

Check for damage

Fire

• Ifpossible,putoutsmallfiresinyourhomeorneighborhoodimmediately.Callforhelp,butdon’twaitforthefiredepartment.

Gas leaks

• Shutoffthemaingasvalveonlyifaleakissuspectedoridentifiedbytheodorofnaturalgas.Waitfortheutilitycompanytoturnitbackononcethedamageisrepaired.

Damaged electrical wiring

• Shutoffpoweratthebreakerbox.Leavethepoweroffuntildamageisrepaired.

Unplug broken lights and appliances

• Theycouldcausefireswhenpowerisrestored.

Downed power lines

• Consideralldownedlinesaspotentiallyhazardousandstaywellawayfromthem.Nevertouchdownedlinesoranyobjectsincontactwiththemevenifyouthinktheymaybedead.

Fallen items

• Bewareofitemstumblingoffshelveswhenyouopenclosetandcupboarddoors.Wearglovesbeforehandlingbrokenitems.Replaceyourtelephoneonitsreceiver.Telephonesoffthehooktieupthetelephonenetwork.

Spills

• Cleanupanyspilledmedicines,drugsorothernon-toxicsubstances.Potentiallyharmfulmaterialssuchasbleach,lye,paint,gardenchemicalsandgasolineshouldbeisolatedorcoveredwithanabsorbentsuchasdirtorcatlitter.Whenindoubt,leaveyourhome.

Downed or damaged chimneys

• Stayawayfromchimneysandwallsmadeofbrick.Theymaybeweakenedandcouldtoppleduringanaftershock.Don’tuseafireplaceuntilitisinspectedbyanexpert–itcouldstartafireorletpoisonousgasesintoyourhome.

STEP 7: When safe, continue to follow your disaster preparedness plan

Tsunamis

Stayawayfromthecoastuntilofficialsreopentheareaforyoutoreturn.

• Thefirstsurgeisalmostneverthelargest.Thelargestwavesmayarrivehoursafterthefirst.

• Successivesurgeswillarriveatirregularintervalsspacedminutestotensofminutesapart.Thedangerperiodmaylasteighthoursorlonger.

• Nevergotothecoasttowatchatsunami.Tsunamismovefasterthanapersoncanrun.Incomingtraffichamperssafeandtimelyevacuationofcoastalareas.

Be in communication

ListentoyourNOAAWeatherRadioforupdatesonthehazardandforinstructionsonwhattodo.

LivingonShakyGround-Thesevenstepsforearthquake&tsunamisafety 19

Earthquakes

Youmaybesafeststayinginyourhomeevenifthepowerisoffandsomeitemshavebeendamaged.Sheltersmaybeovercrowdedandinitiallylackmanyservices.Usetheinformationyouputtogetherinyourdisasterplanandthesuppliesyouorganizedinyourdisasterkits.

• Donotuseopenflames(candles,matches,lightersorgrills)oroperateanydevicethatcouldgenerateasparksuchaslightswitches,generatorsandmotorvehiclesuntilyouaresuretherearenogasleaks.

• Neveruseacampstove,gaslanternorheater,gasorcharcoalgrill,orgasgeneratorindoors.

Be in communication

• Useyourportable,carorNOAAWeatherRadioforupdatesandsafetyadvisories.Scanchannelstofindonethatisonairandbroadcastingsafetyinformation.

• Callyourout-of-areacontactandtellthemyourstatus,thenstayoffthephone.Emergencyrespondersneedthephonelinesforlife-savingcommunications.

• Checkontheconditionofyourneighbors.

Food and water

• Ifthepowerisoff,planmealstouseuprefrigeratedandfrozenfoodsfirst.Withthedoorclosed,foodinthefreezermaylastseveraldays.

• Ifyourwaterisofforunsafe,youcandrinkfromwaterheaters,meltedicecubesorcannedvegetables.Avoiddrinkingwaterfromswimmingpoolsorspas.

• Donoteatordrinkanythingfromopencontainersthatarenearshatteredglass.

The first weeks after the earthquake

Thisisatimeoftransition.Aftershocksmaycontinueformanymonths,butitistimetoworktowardgettingyourlife,yourhomeandfamily,andyourroutinesbackinorder.Emotionalcareandrecoveryarejustasimportantashealingphysicalinjuriesandrebuildingahome.

• Makesureyourhomeissafetooccupyandnotindangerofcollapseinanaftershock.

• Ifyourgaswasturnedoff,youwillneedtoarrangeforthegascompanytoturnitbackon.

• Iftheelectricitywentoffandcamebackon,checkyourappliancesandelectronicequipmentfordamage.

The first few hours and days after an earthquake or tsunami

Onceyouhavemetyourandyourfamily’simmediateneeds,continuetofollowtheplanyouprepared(seeStep2,page11).

• Ifwaterlinesbroke,lookforwaterdamage.• Haveaprofessionalinspectyourfireplace

orwoodburningstovebeforeyouusethemafteranearthquake.Thedamagemaynotbeeasytoseeandcouldcauseachimneyfireorpoisonousgasrelease.

• Locateand/orreplacecriticaldocumentsthatmayhavebeenmisplaced,damagedordestroyed.

• Contactyourinsuranceagentrightawaytobeginyourclaimsprocess.Takepicturesofthedamageofyourbuildinganditscontents.

20 OregonOfficeofEmergencyManagement

If you cannot stay in your home

Ifyourhomeisinatsunamihazardzone,isstructurallyunsafe,orthreatenedbyafireorotherhazard,youneedtoevacuate.

Ifyouevacuate,tellaneighborandyourout-of-areacontactwhereyouaregoing.

Setupanalternativemailingaddresswiththepostofficeassoonaspossible.Takethefollowing,ifpossible,whenyouevacuate:

• Personaldisastersupplykits• Supplyoffood,water,andsnacks• Blanket/pillow/airmattressorsleepingpad• Changeofclothingandajacket• Towelandwashcloth• Comfortitemssuchasfamilypictures,games,

books• Personalidentificationandcopiesof

householdandhealthinsuranceinformation• Specialneedsitemssuchasmedicines,

eyewear,infantsupplies(diapers,bottles,babyfood),andsuppliesforelderlyanddisabledpersons

Do not take to a shelter

• Pets—haveaplanforyourpetsinadvance(serviceanimalsforpeoplewithdisabilitiesareallowedbutyoumustbringfoodforthem)

• Largequantitiesofunnecessaryclothingorotherpersonalitems—spaceisverylimited

• Valuablesthatmightbelost,stolen,ortakeupneededspace

Ifamajordisasterhasbeendeclaredbythepresident,theFederalEmergencyManagementAgency(FEMA)mayactivatetheIndividualsandHouseholdsProgram.Thisprogrammayincludehome-repaircashgrants,rentalassistanceand/ortemporaryhousing.Theseamountsaregenerallyquitesmallanddonotcomeclosetomeetingallofthecostsandneeds.

Findoutmorebyvisitingwww.ready.gov.

TIP: JOIN A COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (CERT) CERTprogramswilleducateyouaboutthehazardsinyourareaandwilltrainyouinbasicdisasterresponseskills.ContactyourlocalAmericanRedCrossofficetofindoutaboutCERTteamsinyourareaorgotowww.ready.gov/community-emergency-response-team.Thistrainingisfree,andprovidedlocally.Thetrainingisastandardcurriculumandisupdatedwithlocalinformationregularly.

LivingonShakyGround-Thesevenstepsforearthquake&tsunamisafety 21

The seven steps for earthquake and tsunami safety summaryTearoffthispageandputitonyourrefrigerator,bulletinboardorotherprominentplace.

1. Identify potential hazards • Identifyitemsthatmayfall,topple,orslide

• Securepotentiallyhazardousandvaluableitems

• Determineifyoulive,workorplayinatsunamihazardzone

2. Create a disaster preparedness plan • PracticeDrop,CoverandHolddrills

• Collectcriticalsupplies• Chooseameetingplaceandanout-of-areacontact

• Recognizethenaturalandofficialwarningsofatsunamiandknowhowtorespond

3. Prepare disaster kits • Createkitsforhome,workandcar

• Bepreparedtobeisolatedforatleasttwoweeks

4. Identify weaknesses• Identifyweaknessesinyourbuildingandfixthem

• Contactyourlocalgovernmentandfindoutwhattsunamiplansareinyourcommunity

5. Protect yourself during an earthquake • Droptothefloor• Takecoverunderasturdytableordesk

• Holdonuntiltheshakingstops

6. Evacuate if necessary, check for injuries and damage • Ifyouareinatsunamihazardzone,immediatelywalktohighergroundorinlandawayfromcoast

• Checkforinjuriesanddamage

7. Follow your plan • Ifyouevacuatedcoastalareas—stayawayuntilofficialspermityoutoreturn

• Beincommunication—useyourradioforinformation

• Expectaftershocks—somemaybelargeenoughtodoadditionaldamage

Important information Out-of-areacontactname:

Email: Phone:

Neighborhoodmeetingplace:

Regionalmeetingplace:

Doctor/office:

Accountno.: Phone:

Medicalinsurance:

Policyno.: Phone:

Pharmacist:

Accountno.: Phone:

Rxno.: Rxno.: Rxno.:

Home/rentalinsurance:

Policyno.: Phone:

Veterinarian/kennel:

Accountno.: Phone:

Oregon Office of Emergency Management

www.oregon.gov/OEM

Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral industries www.OregonGeology.org

www.OregonTsunami.org

US Geological Survey Earthquake Preparednessearthquake.usgs.gov/learn/preparedness.php

National Tsunami Warning Center www.tsunami.gov