Week 5 of Clatsop County’s Get Ready Emergency Preparedness campaign focuses on the tsunami that will follow after a major earthquake.
“When the next great Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake and tsunami occurs, coastal residents and visitors will have 10-30 minutes to reach safety. Evacuation on foot will be the only means possible,” said Justin Gibbs, the county emergency management director.
“The need to get to higher ground also applies to people near inland rivers and streams. Too often, people only think tsunami warnings apply to the coast. The fast-rising tsunami waters move inland, too,” he said.
To be prepared, you will need to know:
- The most efficient roads and trails to take to reach safety
- How fast you will have to travel to beat the wave to safety
- If the earthquake will cause bridges to become impassable or activate a landslide that blocks an escape route
- What to do if safe evacuation isn't possible. You will need to prepare for other options
Local Beat the Wave tsunami maps are available at the Oregon Tsunami Clearing House resource library.
The 6-Weeks Ready campaign ends with the Great Shakeout. “We encourage anyone who has not yet joined us in the campaign to start now. Our website has information that can help individuals and families get prepared. We also encourage everyone to register online to participate in the Great Shakeout,” Gibbs said.
Week 1: Sept 6 Building a Kit
Week 2: Sept 13 Disaster Planning with Everyone in Mind
Week 3: Sept 20 Protecting your Family & Property in a Disaster
Sept 26 Countywide ClatsopAlerts! emergency communications test
Week 4: Sept. 27 Food & Water in an Emergency
Sept. 30 Get Ready Clatsop County Preparedness Event
Week 5: Oct 4 Tsunami Evacuation
Week 6: Oct 11 Earthquake Safety
Personal preparedness and other emergency preparedness information is on the Clatsop County website.