MITIGATION
Pacific County Emergency Management Agency
Earthquake Mitigation
An earthquake is the sudden release of stored energy. Most earthquakes occur along a fracture within the earth, called a fault. The area Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning. Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake.
Mitigation includes any activities that prevent an emergency, reduce the chance of an emergency happening, or lessen the damaging effects of unavoidable emergencies. Investing in preventive mitigation steps now such as repairing deep plaster cracks in ceilings and foundations, anchoring overhead lighting fixtures to the ceiling and following local seismic building standards, will help reduce the impact of earthquakes in the future. multiple types of faults that can effect Pacific County, Because of our proximity to the Cascadia Subduction Zone, which lies of the coast, this is the most worrisome area .The shaking caused by this sudden shift is often very small, but occasionally large earthquakes produce very strong ground shaking. It is this strong shaking and its consequences – ground failure, landslides, liquefaction – that damages buildings and structures and upsets the regional economy.
Things you can do before an earthquake occurs to lessen its impact on lives and property:
Check for hazards in the home
- Fasten shelves securely to walls.
- Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
- Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches.
- Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit.
- Brace overhead light fixtures.
- Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks.
- Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor.
- Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.
- Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.
Identify safe places in each room
- Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.
- Against an inside wall.
- Away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over.
Locate safe places outdoors
In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.
Make sure all family members know how to respond after an earthquake
Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.
Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information
Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on earthquakes
Have disaster supplies on hand
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries
- First aid kit and manual
- Emergency food and water
- Non-electric can opener
- Essential medicines
- Cash and credit cards
- Sturdy shoes
Develop an emergency communication plan
In case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster.
Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the “family contact”
After a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.
Projects for home and the workplace:
Preparing your home or business in advance may minimize the amount of nonstructural damage you experience.
Select a link to see examples of projects that can be completed in preparation of an earthquake.
Strapping the water heater to wall studs, and having flexible gas and water lines installed will greatly reduce the risk of fire and water damage.
One of the often overlooked areas of nonstructural mitigation is that of household utilities. Natural Gas leaks can lead to potentially disastrous consequences for the home owner and surrounding community. 
One of the often overlooked areas of nonstructural mitigation is that of household utilities. Water leaks can lead to potentially disastrous consequences for the home owner and surrounding community.
Project materials are available at your local building supply company, and several Internet sites.
We recommend you contact your supplier to determine material cost, and tools required to complete each project. Local contractors can provide labor cost estimates.
