The August 24th earthquake in Napa is a reminder that we need to be prepared for earthquakes in Oregon. The magnitude 6.0 earthquake that struck Napa, Calif., just north of San Francisco on Sunday morning–collapsing older buildings, sparking fires and causing scores of injuries–fell along a series of cracks in the Earth tied to the famed and feared San Andreas Fault. The threat is serious in Oregon where offshore earthquakes can be similar to the Japanese earthquake and tsunami in 2011, and onshore earthquakes like yesterday’s Napa Valley quake vary in intensity, and can strike at any time. The Oregon Office of Emergency Management (OEM) urges Oregonians to prepare now, have an emergency plan for earthquakes, and build an emergency kit. “You could be on your own for days or weeks,” says Dr. Althea Rizzo, the geologic hazard coordinator for OEM. “It is also important to know earthquakes don’t kill many people; it’s the structures people are in, on, or around that do the damage.” Many people get seriously injured because they don’t know what to do (or not do) during an earthquake. Advance training is your best protection during an earthquake, and for surviving the aftermath. “Stay calm, inside drop cover and hold on, outside stand away from buildings, trees, telephones, and electric lines,” Rizzo added. “Prepare three emergency kits: a go-bag with a minimum of three days (I keep mine in my car), office with a minimum of seven days, and home with a minimum of three weeks.” It is a good idea to include a flashlight with batteries, medication, food, bottled water, and supplies in your emergency kit. Things like battery powered radio, garbage bags, extra set of clothes, and whistle to signal for help. OEM is asking Oregonians to register for 2014 Great Oregon ShakeOut earthquake drill at: http://shakeout.org/oregon/ . Millions of people worldwide will practice how to Drop, Cover, and Hold On at 10:16 a.m. on Oct. 16 during Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills across the nation. Oregonians can register today. Participating is a great way for your family, business, or organization to be prepared to survive and recover quickly from big earthquakes- wherever you live, work, or travel. For more information on how to create a plan and build a kit go to: http://www.oregon.gov/omd/oem/plans_train/earthquake/shakygroundmagazine_final.pdf
