Welcome to our website dedicated to informing students at Lewis & Clark about the Cascadia earthquake risk. The Pacific Northwest region is known for its stunning natural beauty, but it’s also home to a potentially catastrophic seismic threat. The Cascadia Subduction Zone runs 700 miles along the Pacific Northwest coast, and experts predict it has the potential to unleash an earthquake with a magnitude of 9.0 or higher, as well as tsunamis that could devastate the region.
As students, faculty, and staff of Lewis & Clark, it’s essential to be aware of this risk and take necessary steps to prepare for such an event. Through this website, we aim to provide you with the information, resources, and tools you need to stay safe and ready in the face of this potential disaster.
The Cascadia Subduction Zone, located off the coast of the Pacific Northwest, has the potential to cause a severe earthquake with a magnitude of 9.0 or higher, making it one of the most significant seismic threats in the world. The Cascadia earthquake risk arises from the subduction zone, where the Juan de Fuca tectonic plate is slowly moving beneath the North American plate, building up stress over time. When this stress is released, it causes a sudden and massive earthquake, which can trigger landslides, tsunamis, and widespread destruction across the region.
The impact of such an earthquake would be catastrophic. It could cause severe damage to buildings, roads, and other infrastructure, leading to power outages, transportation disruptions, and communication breakdowns. The resulting tsunamis could devastate coastal communities, leading to loss of life and property damage. Furthermore, the region’s seismic activity can be unpredictable, making it difficult to predict the exact timing and severity of an earthquake. Therefore, it is essential for students and the wider community to understand and prepare for the Cascadia earthquake risk to stay safe in the event of such a disaster.
There are several ways college students can be prepared for the Cascadia earthquake:
Create an emergency kit (PDF): Keep an emergency kit with essential supplies, such as water, non-perishable food, first aid kit, flashlight, and extra batteries.
Make a plan: Develop a communication plan with your roommates, family, and friends. Discuss a meeting place and establish a way to get in touch with each other in case of an emergency.
Know the evacuation routes: Familiarize yourself with the evacuation routes on campus and in the surrounding area. During a seismic event, follow the guidelines provided by Lewis & Clark’s Emergency Operations Team.
Learn basic first aid: Taking a basic first aid course can provide you with valuable skills and knowledge to help yourself and others in case of an emergency.
Stay informed: Keep yourself updated with the latest information and alerts related to the earthquake risk in the Pacific Northwest. Sign up for emergency notification systems like LC Alerts and keep an eye on local news and social media.
Before an Earthquake:
Develop an emergency plan: Create a plan with your family, colleagues, and students. This plan should include a meeting spot, an emergency contact, and a communication plan.
Secure your space: Check your classroom and office for potential hazards, such as unsecured bookcases or overhead cabinets. Anchor heavy items, such as TVs or computers, to the wall.
Practice drop, cover, and hold on: Teach your students and colleagues how to drop, cover, and hold on during an earthquake. This means getting under a desk or table, covering your head and neck, and holding on until the shaking stops.
During an Earthquake:
Drop, cover, and hold on: If you are inside, drop to the ground, take cover under a desk or table, and hold on. If you are outside, move away from buildings and utility wires and drop to the ground.
Stay inside: Do not run outside during an earthquake. Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to exit.
After an Earthquake:
Check for injuries: If you or anyone around you is injured, seek medical attention.
Check for damage: Check your classroom and office for damage. If there is damage, report it to the appropriate authorities.
Evacuate if necessary: If you are instructed to evacuate, follow the instructions of emergency personnel and leave the building quickly and calmly.
Communicate: Check in with your family, colleagues, and students to make sure they are safe. Follow your emergency communication plan.
Practice: Review and practice your emergency plan and earthquake safety procedures regularly.
The ShakeAlert ® Earthquake Early Warning System, managed by the U.S. Geological Survey, detects significant earthquakes quickly enough so that alerts can be delivered to people and automated systems potentially seconds before shaking arrives. The purpose of the system is to reduce the impact of earthquakes and save lives and property.
