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Nisqually Earthquake
Get Prepared
King County is earthquake country; those of us who experienced the Feb. 28, 2001 Nisqually Earthquake know that well. Each year more than a thousand earthquakes are recorded in Washington state; 15-20 of these earthquakes are strong enough to be felt. Being prepared — knowing what to do during an earthquake — and when — can save lives, reduce damage and lessen injuries, anxiety and confusion.

The Nisqually Earthquake was centered 30 miles southwest of Seattle, originated 36 miles beneath the earth's surface, and lasted about 40 seconds. There are shallow quakes and deep quakes — the Nisqually was a deep quake — deep quakes can be serious (and the Nisqually was) but had it originated from a fault closer to the earth's surface and lasted 40 seconds, we would have seen far more damage.

The primary ways that earthquakes cause damage are by strong ground shaking and by the secondary effects of ground failures, landslides, tsunamis, etc. The actual movement of the ground in an earthquake is not usually the direct cause of injury or death — most casualties result from falling materials.
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Utility services such as power, telephone, gas, sewer, solid waste, and water are often disrupted following a severe earthquake. It is a good idea to plan on being self-sufficient up to 3 days following a major earthquake without access to government response agencies, utilities, private sector services and infrastructure components.

GET PREPARED
for the Next Earthquake

BEFORE an Earthquake

At home:
  • Create and practice your emergency plan.
  • Establish reunion points.
  • Identify an out-of-region contact person who can serve as a message center. After an earthquake, local telephone lines may not work but long-distance may still be functioning.
  • Know where, when and how to shut off your gas, electric and water utilities.
  • Secure your hot-water heater and all tall and heavy furniture. Move all heavy objects to lower shelves.
  • Gather and organize emergency supplies for your home, vehicle and workplace.
  • Learn first aid.

Emergency Supplies
You need several kits — for your home, office and vehicles — each with the following items:

  • fire extinguisher (ABC type)
  • first-aid kit
  • flashlights with extra batteries
  • sturdy shoes (you may need to walk over broken glass)
  • radio (battery powered) and extra batteries (to listen to emergency broadcasts KIRO-AM 710)
  • food — a three-day supply (per person) of nonperishable items
  • can opener
  • three gallons of water per person
  • chlorine bleach (for disinfecting contaminated water)
  • outdoor clothing
  • blankets, sleeping bag
  • toilet tissue, paper plates, plastic eating utensils
  • pre-moistened cleaning wipes (water supplies may be interrupted)
  • money, especially coins or prepaid calling cards (pay telephones are usually the first system restored)
  • paper and pencils or pens
  • medications and eyeglasses

For your vehicle pack, include items above plus these:
  • booster cables
  • basic tools, including flares
  • day pack to carry items, if you must leave your vehicle

At work:
  • Know your workplace disaster plan and your specific responsibilities.
  • Make sure everyone knows the location of emergency supplies.
  • Organize "response teams" to handle immediate issues, including first aid, search-and-rescue, damage assessment and shutting off utilities.

DURING an Earthquake: Drop, Cover, and Hold

Inside
  • DROP below the level of the furniture around you. Get under a desk or table. Stay away from windows, bookcases, file cabinets and other objects that could fall. COVER your head with your hands and stay that way until the shaking stops.
  • HOLD onto the desk or table; if it moves, move with it. HOLD YOUR POSITION — do NOT get up; do NOT run.

Outside
  • Move to a clear area, away from trees, signs or buildings. Remember: DROP, COVER and HOLD.

In a Vehicle
  • Reduce speed — do not slam on the brakes. Pull over to the side of the road. Keep away from bridges, overpasses, buildings, trees and other potential hazards.
  • Stay in your vehicle until all shaking stops. Tune your radio to KIRO AM 710 for emergency broadcasts.

AFTER an Earthquake: Safety first
  • Plan to stay wherever you are for at least 5 to 6 hours. Bridges and roads must be inspected for safety.
  • Check for building damage.
  • Stay clear of damaged structures, downed power lines, and overhead hazards. Remember, aftershocks are likely.
  • Clean up spills of dangerous chemicals or flammable liquids. Another option: Open windws and doors, and mark the hazards clearly.
  • At home, shut off electricity and water. Turn off natural gas only if you hear hissing or smell the odor of a leak.
  • Do not use elevators.
  • Put telephones back on the hook to help reestablish the telephone system.
  • Use the telephone for emergencies only. Do not call 911 unless you need police, fire or emergency medical services.
  • Listen to the radio (KIRO-AM 710) for instructions from local authorities.

Get more preparedness information from the Office of Emergency Management

Updated: Feb. 26, 2002

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