Nisqually Quake--10 years later

From the Washington State Emergency Management Division

February 28th will mark the 10 year anniversary of the 6.8 magnitude Nisqually Quake. According to the Washington Military Department, overall damage from the quake to public facilities, businesses and homes totaled between $1 billion to $4 billion according to damage estimates. Although centered in south Puget Sound, Nisqually earthquake damage was reported in as far east as Walla Walla. The Emergency Management Division (WEMD) of the Washington Military Department provided more than $150 million in assistance under the federal Stafford Act Disaster Declaration.

Overall, Washington is better prepared today for a major earthquake than in 2001. However, major challenges remain. Nisqually was not the “Big One, and based on the best and most current research, Washington could experience much larger and more damaging earthquakes.
The Washington State Seismic Safety Committee is in the middle of a three-year program called “The Resilient Washington State Initiative.” When completed, the program will outline our current resiliency to the state’s earthquake threats; identify specific goals to protect human life, property and economic recovery following an earthquake; recommend policies to the Governor / Legislature and identify performance measures to achieve those goals. For additional information about the Committee and “the Resilient Washington State Initiative,” click: http://www.emd.wa.gov/about/SeismicSafetyCommittee.shtml

Public interest in earthquakes ebbs and flows depending on major earthquake stories in the news. There is probably more awareness today around how to prepare than 10 years ago, but individuals need to take recommended actions to ensure that they and their loved ones are self sufficient for a period of time following an earthquake. Small disasters, like the severe snowstorm last November, reminds us that we often don’t take action until the last minute. But earthquakes are a no-notice event.
More information on earthquake preparedness activities is available at: http://www.emd.wa.gov/preparedness/prep_index.shtml

I was learning the intricacies of Shakespearean prose when the earthquake struck. What were you doing?