Preparing for the Big One

A region-wide exercise to test the emergency response to a major disaster in the Cascadia Subduction Zone

Science points to a large magnitude earthquake happening along the Cascadia Subduction Zone, the 800-mile fault line that runs from California to the Island of British Columbia, on average once every 200 to 500 years. That means we may be about due.

A 9.0 magnitude earthquake along this fault, and the resulting tsunami, is the most complex disaster scenario that emergency management and public safety officials in the Pacific Northwest could face. Cascadia Rising was an emergency simulation exercise that happened this past June 7th -10th to address such a disaster.

Federal officials estimated more than 20,000 people were involved in the four day disaster drill, representing various federal agencies, the U.S. military, and state and local emergency response managers from Washington, Oregon and Idaho, Native American Tribes and emergency management
officials in British Columbia.

Simulating the massive earthquake and tsunami was a way of testing plans and procedures and is an invaluable way to tell what worked and what didn’t. Some of the major lessons learned? How important information sharing and good communication are, as well as the need to address key resources like fuel and food.

Did you know?

  
September is National Preparedness Month. Sponsored by FEMA, it encourages Americans to take steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, schools, and communities. Take part and get more resources at www.ready.gov/get-involved  and community.fema.gov.