Earthquake Preparedness Advocated by Amy Cloud Ahead of Great ShakeOut
Amy Cloud, Public Information Officer for Whatcom County’s Emergency Management, highlights the importance of earthquake preparedness in Washington State. She encourages participation in the Great ShakeOut on October 17, which involves practicing appropriate responses during an earthquake. Cloud offers three key steps individuals can take to prepare: sign up for alerts, build a go bag, and create a plan of action for various environments. The current safety protocol advises dropping, covering, and holding on during an earthquake, rather than previous methods of standing in doorways or evacuating.
Amy Cloud, the Public Information Officer for the Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management in Whatcom County, emphasizes the importance of earthquake preparedness in light of potential seismic events like the predicted “The Big One.” Washington state experiences approximately 1,000 earthquakes annually, primarily occurring in areas west of the Cascade Range. While many of these tremors may not cause noticeable damage and might go unnoticed, Cloud urges residents to prepare for the possibility of a significant earthquake. An effective way to engage in preparedness is by participating in the Great ShakeOut—a global earthquake drill held every year on the third Thursday of October. The primary focus during the ShakeOut is to practice the appropriate response to an earthquake, which includes dropping to the ground, taking cover under sturdy furniture, and holding on until the shaking ceases. According to the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network, earthquakes can vary in duration, lasting anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes, followed by aftershocks as the earth settles. Leading up to this year’s Great ShakeOut on October 17, Cloud suggests three crucial steps individuals can take to enhance their preparedness: 1) Sign up for earthquake alerts through platforms such as MyShake for local notifications and Konexus AlertSense for emergency management updates; 2) Construct an emergency “go bag” containing essential items such as clothing, medication, food, water, communication devices, cash, and vital documentation; 3) Formulate an action plan for various environments such as at work, in vehicles, and at home to ensure a prompt and effective response during an emergency. It is essential to note that previous recommendations for standing in doorways or evacuating during an earthquake are now considered unsafe. The current recommended practice is to drop, cover, and hold on to minimize risk during seismic activity. For further insights regarding the ShakeOut drill, resources are available in both English and Spanish, offering valuable information about earthquake safety and risks affecting Washington State.
Washington State is situated in a seismically active region, making earthquake preparedness critical for residents. The potential for large-scale earthquakes, such as those predicted to occur along the Cascadia Subduction Zone, necessitates a proactive approach toward readiness. Despite the lack of a recent major earthquake, everyday tremors serve as reminders of the need for adequate preparation. The Great ShakeOut is an annual event designed to educate and encourage individuals to practice their earthquake response, enhancing community resilience in the face of potential seismic disasters.
In summary, individuals in Washington State should take proactive measures to prepare for earthquakes, given the frequency of seismic activity in the region. Participation in the Great ShakeOut provides an excellent opportunity to practice safety protocols. By signing up for alerts, preparing a go bag, and developing an action plan, residents can significantly increase their readiness for a serious earthquake event and ensure greater safety for themselves and their loved ones.
Original Source: kpug1170.com
