Earthquake Preparedness | Washington County, OR

Earthquakes Happen Here in Washington County

Since 2010, four local earthquakes have shaken Washington County. In 1700, the entire Pacific Northwest felt a major earthquake from the Cascadia Subduction Zone, a 600-mile-long fault that runs parallel to the Oregon and Washington coastlines. It has produced 40 magnitude-8 or -9 earthquakes in the last 10,000 years.

Earthquake faults inside Washington County — There are several faults located in and around Washington County.

Map of Cascadia Subduction Zone — The Cascadia Subduction Zone extends 600 miles along the Oregon and Washington coastlines and is capable of producing the world’s most powerful earthquakes.

Before an earthquake

For yourself

Gather a 2-week supply of emergency food and water (read the Take 5 flyer Emergency Supplies).
Prepare your home for an earthquake. FEMA Earthquake Safety Checklist and Home Hazard Hunt.
Learn a lifesaving skill like first aid.
Join a Community Emergency Response Team or volunteer with a disaster-focused community group.
Read Living on Shaky Ground: How to Survive Earthquakes and Tsunamis in Oregon

With your family and neighbors

Talk to your family about what to do when an earthquake strikes. Make a plan together.
Be social and talk with your neighbors. Host a preparedness BBQ or game night and talk about your earthquake preparedness efforts.
Practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On annually with www.ShakeOut.org
Identify an out-of-town contact in case local area communications are busy. Learn how to create an emergency communications plan at ready.gov/make-a-plan
Consider earthquake insurance. Normal homeowners insurance does not provide coverage for earthquake damage.

During an earthquake

Indoors

Drop to your hands and knees, cover your head and neck, hold on to something sturdy and stay put until the shaking stops. Ground shaking during an earthquake can last up to six minutes.

Outdoors

If you can safely do so, move to a clear area free from objects that could fall on you, then Drop, Cover, and Hold On.

Near a shoreline

As soon as it’s safe to walk, move to higher ground. Use a tsunami evacuation route.

After the shaking stops

Check for hazards and damage.
Check for injuries and help others.
Check in with family and neighbors.
Be ready for aftershocks.

Additional Resources

Each year in October, thousands of Oregonians "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" in The Great Oregon ShakeOut, the state’s largest earthquake drill. Get your friends and coworkers to join us! Sign up at www.ShakeOut.org.

Want to track earthquakes in real time? Check out the USGS’s latest earthquakes map: https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/map/