Washington is Earthquake Country...

Washington has a history of large earthquakes. With our state's rapidly increasing population, we can expect the next large earthquake to result in loss of human life with significant economic impact. A strong earthquake may also generate a destructive tsunami (a series of giant waves) along the coast, in Puget Sound or in large lakes.

• All regions of Washington state have a history of earthquake activity. Since 1880, Washington has experienced 22 major earthquakes. Most have been centered around the Puget Sound region.
• More than 1,000 earthquakes of various magnitudes are registered in Washington state each year.
• In 1965, Seattle and Tacoma suffered from a magnitude 6.5 tremor that killed seven people and severely damaged buildings.
• In July 1999, Grays Harbor County suffered a magnitude 5.8 earthquake near Satsop causing nearly $8.1 million in damages, including damage to the Montesano Courthouse.
• The Nisqually earthquake, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake on February 28, 2001, had an epicenter just several miles from the City of Yelm. It caused an estimated $250 million in damage in the greater Puget Sound area, and contributed to at least one death. Fortunately, the source of the earthquake was relatively deep at 30 miles below Puget Sound. Next time, we may not be so lucky.

• Complete all of the items under the "Are You Prepared?" and "Grab and Go Disaster Kits" links on the left.
• Explain emergency preparations to all capable members of your household, and outline what they should do in the event of an earthquake or other emergency (if there are children in your household, you should have this conversation every six months).
• Expect that some people and animals may panic and act irrationally during an emergency.
• If you live on a coastal or inland shoreline, be familiar with tsunami (tidal wave) evacuation routes.
• Know the risks in areas you visit on business or vacation.

• When the ground shakes, DROP, COVER, and HOLD.
• Don't panic or run. Earthquakes are usually immediately preceded by loud sounds. Take quick action to protect yourself and help others.
• If you are at home, stay indoors. Move away from the refrigerator, stove, overhead cabinets, windows, bookcases, hanging plants, and other objects that could fall. DROP, COVER, and HOLD under a table or near an inside wall.
• If you are at work or in a store, stay indoors. DO NOT rush for the exits. Move away from windows, bookcases, file cabinets, display shelves, and other objects that could fall. DROP, COVER and HOLD under a desk or sturdy table, grasping it by its legs. If it moves, move with it.
• If you are on a sidewalk near a tall building, get into a doorway or lobby to protect yourself from falling bricks, glass and other debris.
• If you are outdoors, move to a clear area away from trees, signs, buildings, or utility wires and poles.
• If you are driving, pull over to the side of the road and stop. Avoid overpasses, power lines, and other hazards. Stay in the vehicle until the shaking stops. Listen to your radio for emergency instructions.
• If you are in a wheelchair, stay in it. Move to safe cover in a doorway if possible, lock your wheel, and protect your head with your arms.
• If you are in a theater or stadium, stay in your seat, protect your head with your arms or get under the seat if possible. Do not attempt to leave until the shaking stops.

• If you are in a tsunami hazard area, follow evacuation signs or quickly move to higher ground.
• Check yourself and those around you for injuries.
• Evacuate damaged buildings. Do not re-enter until declared safe by authorities.
• Call 911 only to report a life-threatening emergency.
• If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, open windows and leave the building. Do not use matches, candles, open flames or electric switches indoors.
• Clean-up spills of potentially harmful materials, such as medicines, drugs, and household cleaners. Combined chemicals may produce toxic gas.
• Check on and provide assistance to your neighbors, especially the elderly or disabled.
• Try to make contact with your out-of-area phone contact, but do not make local telephone calls.
• Monitor your portable radio for instructions or an official "all clear" notice. Radio stations will broadcast what to do, the location of emergency shelters, medical aid stations, and the extent of damage.

• Water. Conserve all water. Turn-off water at the main meter leading into the house. This will prevent contaminated water from entering your water heater and plumbing.
• Gas. If you smell natural gas, evacuate immediately. Do not use matches, lighters, open flame appliances, or operate electrical switches. Sparks can ignite gas causing an explosion. Shut-off gas if you smell gas or hear a hissing noise. Let the gas company turn the gas back on.
• Sewer. Make sure your sewer system is functioning properly before using it. This will prevent the contamination of your home and possibly the drinking water supply.
• Electricity. Locate your main electrical switch or fuse panel, and learn how to turn-off the electrical power system.