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Life or death: Be prepared for a major earthquake

Published 11:30 am Friday, May 14, 2021

By Julia-Grace Sanders Herald Writer

NO CAPTION NECESSARY. Map shows epicenters for earthquakes greater than 3.0 magnitude between 1969 and 2021. (Chuck Taylor / The Herald) 20210509
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NO CAPTION NECESSARY. Map shows epicenters for earthquakes greater than 3.0 magnitude between 1969 and 2021. (Chuck Taylor / The Herald) 20210509
NO CAPTION NECESSARY. Map shows epicenters for earthquakes greater than 3.0 magnitude between 1969 and 2021. (Chuck Taylor / The Herald) 20210509

Resources abound to get you, your family and home ready for a major earthquake.

• You should have two weeks of food and water stored, along with a way to stay warm.

• Identify large furniture that may tip over in a quake and secure it.

• Make sure your water heater is fastened to the wall and has flexible gas and water connectors.

• If you live in an older home, consider securing your foundation.

• Know how to shut off your natural gas valves.

These simple tasks could mean life or death during and after a major earthquake. Visit the Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management website for a guide on gathering supplies, creating a communication plan, preparing your pets, keeping important documents on hand, maintaining light and heat, and preventing natural gas fires.

 

Where to learn more

• More about quakes in the region (Snohomish County Hazard Mitigation Planning)

• Personal and neighborhood disaster preparedness (Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management)

• Real-time event monitoring (Pacific Northwest Seismic Network)

• Before, during and after earthquakes (Ready.gov)

• Earthquakes overview and resources (U.S. Geological Survey)

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