Recent research has confirmed that a significant risk of large earthquakes exists in western Oregon. Earthquakes from faults off the Oregon Coast and into the Willamette Valley could cause considerable damage and injury. An earthquake off the coast can also generate tsunami flooding of low coastal areas, requiring evacuation to higher ground.The amount of damage an earthquake causes depends on many factors, but there is much one can do to reduce the likelihood of serious injury, loss of life, and damage to the home, as well as the make recovery easier after the earthquake.

BEFORE THE EARTHQUAKE

Emergency Plan Develop an emergency plan for you and your family so that everyone in the family knows what to do and where to go in the event of an earthquake or tsunami. Your plan should include the following:

1. Determine places in your home and work place that you can move to for safety during an earthquake.
2. If you live in a low-lying area, determine the closest tsunami refuge area accessible on foot, not less than 40 feet above sea level, and well back from ocean frontage to take refuge from a tsunami. Make sure that you do not have to cross any bridges to reach it.
3. Designate several places to find family members and friends if you are separated. Learn the emergency plans of your children’s day care or school
4. Since it is often easier to make long distance calls than local calls following an earthquake, have a check-in person located out of state.
5. Gather and maintain an emergency home survival kit. Keep in mind that it may take time for emergency relief to reach coastal areas.
6. Place your emergency supplies, as well as important papers and cash, in a place which is easily accessible after an earthquake. Remember that in the case of a tsunami, you may be evacuating quickly and will not have much time to gather supplies.
7. Keep a pair of shoes near your bed. Broken glass after an earthquake may make it difficult to get around safely.

Seismic Safety in the Home Look around your home and do the following to minimize the risk of injury in an emergency:

1. Strap the hot water heater to the wall. Use heavy plumbers’ strap wrapped completely around the water heater, both top and bottom, and lag bolt it to the nearest studs. This reduces the risk of injury and preserves the tank as a source of clean water.
2. Bookcases, pictures, wardrobes, and other similar furniture should be attached to the wood studs in walls.
3. Any pictures or mirrors hanging over the bed should be moved
4. Check kitchen cabinets to make sure they are adequately anchored to the wall

Seismic Retrofitting of Houses Existing houses can be retrofitted at low to moderate cost to significantly reduce the amount of damage sustained in an earthquake. Consult a qualified architect or engineer for advice, particularly if your house has big expanses of windows, large spans, an unusual configuration, or is built on piers.

DURING THE EARTHQUAKE

If indoors: STAY INDOORS. Take cover under a desk or table, stand in door ways, halls, or against inside walls. Stay away from windows, mirrors, skylights, furniture, or objects that may fall over.

If outdoors: Move to an open area away from buildings, power lines, walls, and trees.

On the road: Stop in the safest place available away from buildings and other hazards, such as overhead power lines and stay in the vehicle.

FOLLOWING THE EARTHQUAKE

1. Check for injuries and provide first aid if necessary
2. If you are less than 40 feet above sea level and near the beach, move to higher ground away from the ocean front to escape a possible tsunami. Do not wait for an official alarm. Don’t take the time to call around for advice. Don’t call 911 unless you have medical, fire, or rescue emergency. Plan your escape routes to avoid passing over bridges, which may be damaged. Be aware of possible danger from broken overhead power lines. Stay on high ground for at least 4-6 hours or until local officials give the “all clear”.
3. Check for gas or water leaks and downed electrical lines or shorts. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows, and carefully leave the house. Turn off the electricity at the main fuse box ONLY if you see sparks or a fallen wire. After any repairs, have your utilities restored by local utility suppliers.
4. Check neighbors for injuries or fire hazards
5. Turn on radio and listen for instructions from public safety agencies
6. Check house, roof, chimney and foundations for damage and potential safety problems during aftershocks
7. Do not use the telephone except for an emergency
8. Check predetermined reunion points if you are separated from your family during an earthquake.
9. If you evacuate, prominently post a message locating where you can be found
10. For emergency water, do the following: boil water for 5-10 minutes. Add about 10 drops of household bleach or household iodine to one gallon of water and let stand for 30 minutes. Use commercial purification tablets (Halazone or Globaline) or water filters, following manufacturer’s instructions. Locate sources of water in hot water heater, toilet tank (must be purified), water pipes in your house, and melted ice cubes. Use bottled water stored for emergency purposes.