EARTHQUAKE: 317 Years Since Last Major Cascadia Quake, A Reminder to be Prepared

It was January 26, 1700. A 9.0 earthquake struck the Cascadia Subduction Zone, the 600-mile fault that runs through much of the West Coast. The region was devastated.

The good news is that there hasn't been one since. The bad news is that there hasn't been one since.

Scientists feel that the the area is overdue. Long overdue and there is a 40 percent chance there will be a 9.0 quake - as they call it, "a megathrust earthquake" in the next 50 years.

So, the Oregon Office of Emergency Management is using the opportunity to remind people to be prepared. In that case, it means knowing what to do, how to be prepared, how to to mitigate fear.

And - very important - put together an emergency kit that will get you through two weeks.

"You probably already have many of the things you need, such as flash lights and leather gloves," says Althea Rizzo, the office's geologic hazards program coordinator.

"Pick up a couple items every payday and check out garage sales and thrift stores for tools and gear. Look in the garage, closets and junk drawer for items before adding to your shopping list. Being prepared to be self-sufficient for two weeks is an achievable goal. You can get there over time."

To help people get prepared, the emergency management office has put together 2 Weeks Ready.

They offer tips on how to stock your pantry and give you questions to consider, including:

• What to do in the first two minutes?
• Drop, cover and hold on
• Stay in place until the shaking stops; be prepared for aftershocks
• What to do in the first two hours?
• Check immediate surroundings for anyone injured and in need of help
• Evacuate, if necessary; if out of your home, determine if it is safe to enter
• Follow your family communication plan (communicate with your out-of-state contact)
• What do you do in the first two days?
• Use resources in your preparedness supplies as needed
• Check with neighbors/community members to determine who has what skills/resources, and work together to make sure everyone is safe and comfortable
• What do you do in the first two weeks?
• Add/replace necessary items to your emergency kit(s).
• Organize community members to assist with disaster recovery in your neighborhood

Image via Oregon Office Emergency Management