EARTHQUAKES
Learn about your risks. Earthquakes occur nearly every day in Washington, but most are too small to be felt. Large earthquakes are less common, but Washington has the second highest risk of large earthquakes in the country. Check out the Active faults and future earthquakes page for more information. Learn what to expect. Large earthquakes can cause significant damage to the things we count on everyday, such as buildings, roads, hospitals, and schools. The damage can also cause electricity, water, natural gas, and phones to not work. Learn more on our How earthquakes cause damage page.
Learn what other hazards you might face. Earthquakes can trigger landslides and tsunamis. Both of these can cause equal or greater damage than the actual earthquake. Check out our page on geologic hazards to learn more.
Prepare Prepare to be on your own for at least three days. For a "great" earthquake (M8.0 or larger) it might be prudent and reasonable to prepare for being on your own for up to 3 weeks.
Learn how to shut off your gas and water supplies. Broken gas lines are the largest source of fires after earthquakes. A broken water line will drain your house of its usable water when you need it most.
Make an emergency response plan for you and your family. Check out the section for Families, individuals, and pets to learn more. Participate in the yearly Great ShakeOut earthquake drills. These drills occur on the 3rd Thursday of every October. They are a great way to practice what to do when an earthquake happens.
Consider whether earthquake insurance is right for you. The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner has a webpage that describes different types of hazard insurance, including earthquakes.
Mitigate Identify and secure items in your home or work that could cause damage. This might include a water heater, tall items like book cases, or heavy pictures and mirrors. Toppling water heaters can wreak havoc in a house. They can break water lines and drain your house of usable water at a time when water will be difficult to find. They can also break gas and (or) electric lines and start fires at a time when the fire department may find it difficult to help out.
Is your home secured to its foundation? In an earthquake, the ground (and the foundation) can move considerably. If your house is not attached it might be moved completely off the foundation, or cause other significant damage. Consider consulting a professional. Is your home (and its foundation) built to withstand the amount and type of ground-shaking that is expected in your area? Building codes have changed over the years, so you should check with your city or county about what was required during construction. Consider consulting a professional.
If you are concerned about the ability of public and private infrastructure to withstand earthquakes, do something about it. Roads, bridges, utility lines, schools, hospitals, water supplies, and many others may all be susceptible to earthquake damage. Find out what your community, work, school, day care, or state government is doing to protect you and your loved ones. Talk with your neighbors. Contact your state representatives. Become an informed and engaged citizen.