Proper Earthquake Procedures

A number of folks from around Columbia County have been recently receiving a forwarded e-mail regarding "new" procedures for earthquakes, such as curling up in a fetal position or evacuating buildings during earthquakes. The original information in the e-mail claims to come from a person who has worked in earthquake recoveries.

However, the information goes against proven earthquake response protocols, according to local emergency preparedness officials.

“The information in this e-mail does not align with what the vast majority of scientists and emergency planners have seen work,” says Derek White, interim director of Columbia County Emergency Management. “It is important that people have the right information when it comes to protecting themselves and loved ones during an earthquake.

Earthquakes are a very real threat to Columbia County. The Cascadia Subduction Zone is an earthquake fault that sits off the Oregon coast and ruptures every 300-500 years, with the last quake occurring in 1700. Subduction zone earthquakes are major seismic events, causing earthquakes and tsunamis seen in Anchorage in 1964 and Indonesia in 2004. “While this is the most likely cause of a future earthquake for us, there are some other faults nearby, so we need to be prepared,” White adds.

The procedure that has proven to work is drop, cover and hold on. This means dropping to the floor where you are at, getting under a sturdy desk or table, and staying there until the earthquake ends. Some other helpful tips from Columbia County Emergency Management include:

* Do not evacuate during the earthquake. You are very likely to be hit with debris, such as pieces of ceiling and glass. “It is highly unlikely with a Cascadia subduction zone quake that you will be able to walk at all in any regard,” White says.

* If you cannot get under something, drop beside a desk or something else that is relatively stable (low-to-ground file cabinets, interior walls, etc.), cover your head and stay there.

* Try to stay away from windows and the outside walls.

* Do not stand in door thresholds or frames as you are likely to be hit with debris.

* If you are outside, go to an open space away from buildings and power lines. Stay away from the bottoms of hills or underneath cliffs, as there could be landslides or rock falls.

* Once the earthquake ends, try to evacuate before tremors start. If you are stuck, try to save your breath by tapping on debris around you so that emergency responders can locate you more easily. Try to turn off electricity at breaker panels and gas lines as you leave.

For more information regarding the facts about earthquake safety, go to http://www.earthquakecountry.info/dropcoverholdon/ . For further information on local emergency preparedness, contact Emergency Management at 503-366-3931 or emergency.management@co.columbia.or.us .

Story about Major Earthquake in Pac NW

The following link is to a story in the Willamette Week regarding what we can expect with a major earthquake in the Pacific Northwest. The interview is with our friend James Roddey, earth sciences information officer for the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI).

Quake-Up Call

There’s a massive earthquake in Portland’s future—and a government “prophet of doom” will tell you all about it.

http://wweek.com/editorial/3612/13620/

Six Ways to Plan for Earthquakes

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. 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.

Six Ways to Plan Ahead

1. 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.
     
     
2. Identify Safe Places Indoors and Outdoors
   • 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.
   • In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.
     
     
3. Educate Yourself and Family Members
   • Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on earthquakes. Also read the "How-To Series" for information on how to protect your property from earthquakes.
   • Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.
   • Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.
     
     
4. 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.
   • Nonelectric can opener.
   • Essential medicines.
   • Cash and credit cards.
   • Sturdy shoes.
     
     
5. 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.
     
     
6. Help Your Community Get Ready
   • Publish a special section in your local newspaper with emergency information on earthquakes. Localize the information by printing the phone numbers of local emergency services offices, the American Red Cross, and hospitals.
   • Conduct a week-long series on locating hazards in the home.
   • Work with local emergency services and American Red Cross officials to prepare special reports for people with mobility impairments on what to do during an earthquake.
   • Provide tips on conducting earthquake drills in the home.
   • Interview representatives of the gas, electric, and water companies about shutting off utilities.
   • Work together in your community to apply your knowledge to building codes, retrofitting programs, hazard hunts, and neighborhood and family emergency plans

Columbia County Quake Shake 2010

Columbia County Quake Shake 2010: A Countywide Earthquake Drill

Geologists have told us that there is a great likelihood that Columbia County will have a major earthquake in the next hundred years. In fact, since they occur roughly every 300 years and the last one was in 1700, we are OVERDUE!

Please take a few minutes on Monday April 26th at 10 AM or anytime to practice your earthquake plans in your homes, at work or school.

For more information phone: 503-366-3905 or email Derek.White@co.columbia.or.us

Wildfire Reduction Grants for Columbia County

The Oregon Department of Forestry currently has grant funds available to assist land owners in Columbia County in reducing their wildfire risk around homes and property. Financial assistance opportunities exist in both rebate and cost-share form depending on individual needs and interest. These projects will focus on mitigating wildfire hazards for those who live in communities at risk. A free home assessment starts at the home itself, and moves outwards through the “home ignition zone” (HIZ). The concept of this HIZ has been developed to describe interactions between wildfire and structures. Your HIZ will vary from 30 to 200 feet depending on vegetation and topography. There are also cost-share opportunities for more traditional non-commercial fuels reduction projects to help create community fire breaks.

The local Columbia City ODF office is administering these grant funds in cooperation with rural fire districts, Columbia County Emergency Management and the Columbia County Board of Commissioners. The goal of this program is to make our community more aware of the risks associated with living near wildlands, and the simple tasks individuals can do to help protect themselves and their families. There are many different ways that individuals can participate in making our community and forestland more able to survive a catastrophic wildfire.

To sign up for a free comprehensive HIZ inspection and to start the grant application process contact:

Kevin Nelson, Oregon Dept. of Forestry, Columbia City (503) 397-6361

Hazardous Weather Outlook for Columbia County

Hazardous Weather Outlook for Columbia County for Wednesday, December 30th. Please be careful when travelling today, as there is still snow in some areas and freezing rain is also possible.

The state highways (US 30, OR 47, OR 202) look good right now with patches of ice occasionally. If you plan to travel these routes, please check http://tripcheck.net for the latest information.

Fire District Volunteer Recruitment

Local fire districts are looking for volunteers to help them help our communities. Are you interested? Do you have what it takes? Contact your local fire district office today:

* Columbia River Fire and Rescue (includes St. Helens, Columbia City and Rainier)--503-397-2990 (http://www.crfr.com)
* Scappoose Fire--503-543-5026 (http://www.srfd.us)
* Clatskanie Fire--503-728-2025
* Vernonia Fire--503-429-8252 (http://www.vernoniafire.us)
* Mist-Birkenfeld Fire--503-755-2710

H1N1 Vaccine Available

Columbia Health District Public Health Authority (Public Health) will be holding a H1N1 public vaccination clinic on Tuesday, Dec. 29th, 2009 from 10 AM-2 PM at the St. Helens High School Cafeteria, 2375 Gable Road in St. Helens. Vaccines are now available to everyone in the community who has not already received a vaccine.

Those attending this clinic can expect to wait in line and fill out paperwork for each person with them (such as children) receiving a vaccine. A limited number of vouchers for Columbia County Rider transportation are available by contacting the Public Health office (see contact information below).

Those with health insurance may receive their vaccination now at the following places if they choose:

* OHSU Clinic--Scappoose
* Legacy Clinic--St. Helens
* Dr. Kelly's--St. Helens
* Providence Clinic--Vernonia

Those who are underinsured, are without insurance, or their private providers do not have the H1N1 vaccine on-hand may schedule an appointment at Public Health's office.

To contact Public Health with any questions, please call 503-397-4651.

Winter Storm Watch Canceled

The winter storm watch for Columbia County for Dec. 12th, 2009 has been canceled. The storm apparently stalled near Salem and went more eastward.

Winter Storm Watch for Columbia County

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PORTLAND OR
1029 AM PST THU DEC 10 2009

...A WINTER STORM IS EXPECTED TO IMPACT MUCH OF NORTHWEST OREGON
AND SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON LATE FRIDAY THROUGH SATURDAY...

ORZ005-006-WAZ022-039-110630-
/O.NEW.KPQR.WS.A.0008.091212T0400Z-091213T0200Z/
LOWER COLUMBIA-GREATER PORTLAND METRO AREA-I-
5 CORRIDOR IN COWLITZ COUNTY-GREATER VANCOUVER AREA-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...ST. HELENS...HILLSBORO...OREGON CITY...
GRESHAM...LONGVIEW...KELSO...VERNONIA...BATTLE GROUND...WASHOUGAL
1029 AM PST THU DEC 10 2009

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY EVENING THROUGH
SATURDAY AFTERNOON FOR THE PORTLAND AND VANCOUVER METRO
AREAS...AND THE LOWER COLUMBIA AND I-5 CORRIDOR IN COWLITZ
COUNTY...AND THE COAST RANGE OF NORTHWEST OREGON.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN PORTLAND HAS ISSUED A WINTER
STORM WATCH FOR FREEZING RAIN...SLEET AND SNOW...WHICH IS IN
EFFECT FROM FRIDAY EVENING THROUGH SATURDAY AFTERNOON.

* PRECIPITATION MAY BEGIN AS EARLY AS LATE FRIDAY EVENING.

* PRECIPITATION IS LIKELY TO START AS SNOW...SLEET OR FREEZING
 RAIN IN THE PORTLAND AND VANCOUVER METRO AREA...AS SNOW FURTHER
 NORTH.

* SOUTH AND WESTERN PARTS OF THE METRO AREA MAY CHANGE TO RAIN DURING
 THE DAY SATURDAY...WITH SNOW SLEET OR FREEZING RAIN CONTINUING
 ELSEWHERE.

* WINTRY PRECIPITATION MAY CONTINUE INTO SATURDAY NIGHT.

* THERE IS A GREATER THAN NORMAL DEGREE OF UNCERTAINTY WITH THIS
 FORECAST...SO CHECK WITH LATER FORECASTS FOR MORE DETAILS.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT
SNOW...SLEET...OR ICE ACCUMULATIONS THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL.
CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS