In Whatcom County, Washington, awareness of earthquake preparedness is being emphasized ahead of the Great ShakeOut event on October 17. Washington experiences around 1,000 earthquakes each year, predominantly minor. The Great ShakeOut promotes essential safety practices, and individuals are encouraged to prepare by signing up for alerts, assembling emergency supplies, and developing action plans.
WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The prospect of experiencing a significant earthquake, often referred to as “The Big One,” may seem remote for those who were not present during the Nisqually Earthquake in 2001. However, the reality remains that Washington state experiences approximately 1,000 earthquakes annually, primarily occurring on the western side of the Cascades. Although the majority of these tremors do not result in damage or are not felt, it is crucial to recognize that past occurrences do not guarantee future safety. Consequently, the absence of recent severe earthquakes should not deter individuals from taking necessary preparedness measures. A highly effective way to enhance one’s earthquake preparedness is by participating in the Great ShakeOut. This annual event takes place on the third Thursday of October, and individuals across the globe participate in practicing essential safety measures during an earthquake. Participants are encouraged to drop to the ground, protect their head and neck by taking cover under sturdy furniture, and hold on until the shaking ceases. According to the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network, an earthquake can last from a few seconds to several minutes, often followed by aftershocks as the earth stabilizes. This underscores the importance of being preemptively prepared. In anticipation of the Great ShakeOut on October 17, individuals may take three specific actions to bolster their preparedness: 1. Sign up for alerts and warnings through resources such as MyShake, which notifies residents about earthquakes in their vicinity, and Konexus AlertSense, which informs about potential disasters and evacuations. 2. Assemble a “go bag” containing essential items needed in the aftermath of a disaster, including clothing, medications, food and water, a radio or cellphone with a charger, cash, and vital documents. 3. Develop a comprehensive action plan for various locations where one commonly spends time, including home, work, and during travel. For further understanding of the ShakeOut drill and preventive measures for earthquakes, resources are available in both English and Spanish. Additionally, the state’s emergency management page provides insights into earthquake risks specific to Washington. Of note, for those familiar with the guidelines during the time of the Nisqually quake, it is important to recognize that previous recommendations such as standing in doorways or evacuating outdoors are now considered outdated and potentially hazardous. The safest response when an earthquake occurs is to drop, cover, and hold on, ensuring personal safety during such unpredictable events.
The Great ShakeOut is an international earthquake preparedness drill taking place annually, aimed at educating individuals on how to react safely during seismic events. Washington State, which experiences numerous earthquakes yearly, emphasizes the importance of preparation through this event. Given the region’s seismic history and ongoing tectonic activity, addressing earthquake preparedness is critical for individual safety and community resilience.
In summary, while the likelihood of experiencing a significant earthquake may seem uncertain, the continual occurrence of minor tremors in Washington state highlights the necessity for preparedness. Engaging in the Great ShakeOut provides a structured opportunity for individuals to learn and practice essential safety measures. By taking proactive steps such as signing up for emergency alerts, preparing essential supplies, and formulating a comprehensive plan, residents can significantly enhance their readiness for potential seismic events.
Original Source: mybellinghamnow.com
