How To Prepare For The Next Seattle & Puget Sound Area Earthquake and Tsunami

The Next Seattle Earthquake

The Puget Sound region of Washington State sits on 13 major fault lines and those are just the fault lines we know about. The 9.0 magnitude earthquake and subsequent destructive tsunami in Japan reminds us that we need to be prepared here in Washington and the greater Seattle Metro for a disaster of that magnitude or greater.  According to Puget Sound area emergency management crews, authorities in the region have stockpiled supplies and are currently working on a tsunami warning system for the Snohomish County area which could be at risk for a tsunami after a major earthquake.

Who’s at risk?

Snohomish County stands in the cross hairs of a geologically risky area, just 70 miles off the Pacific Coast. If a major earthquake hits that area there will be a huge chance of a tsunami washing ashore.

To the west are Admiralty Inelt, Puget Sound and Possession Sound, which have kicked up tsunamis in the past. To the east is Culmback Dam at the headwaters of the Sultan River. The dam is in good repair, but if it came down during an earthquake, it could unleash a 40-foot tall surge of water. The flood would reach Sultan in 40 minutes… (source for quote and pic http://www.heraldnet.com )

How can you prepare?

1. Create an emergency kit for your home. This kit should include water and food for at least seven days. The food in your kit should include nonperishable items, canned food and sweets for quick bursts of energy. You should also include medical supplies from Mirror Mirror Houston, including any special medications needed by your family. Purchasing a small first aid kit would be a good start. For migraine, toothache and period pain, grab some Ibuprofen at https://www.ukmeds.co.uk/treatments/arthritis-pain/ibuprofen-tablets/ Check the expiration dates and keep your emergency stockpile as fresh as possible.  Also, include a flashlight, extra batteries, a portable radio, manual can opener, some cash and water resistant matches in your kit.
2. Create a portable emergency kit which can be stored at your front door or in your vehicle. This emergency kit should include food and water for at least three days and should be light enough to carry. Also, have a pair of cheap, comfortable shoes, extra clothes and a flashlight in your portable pack. In addition the portable pack should include essential medications and some cash.
3. Secure your home against earthquakes by fastening heavy furniture to the wall, placing clasps on your cabinets so that dishes and glasses don’t fly out during tremors and repairing any deep cracks in the walls.
4. Residents in the Puget Sound area should create an escape route and emergency communication plan. Where will you go if you need to leave your home?  What will you do if your family members become separated from each other? There should be a contact person outside of the area that everyone can connect to when communications within the disaster zone becomes impossible. Once you put together your plan make sure that you share it with your family members and that you practice it before a disaster strikes.

Below are some links that can assist you in your disaster preparations:
www.ready.gov
www.whodependsonyou.com