Community Education Class – Emergency Preparedness
10-11-2016 Topic: Earthquakes
With a great turn out of neighbors we started the class with a video by the Oregon Department of Geology, and what an eye opener it was. We learned about “subduction” earthquakes, which act differently than other types of earthquakes. It is a long rolling earthquake wave lasting 4 to 5 minutes, and is most likely followed by a tsunami. Presented by Ken Nygren with the Yamhill Emergency Management Office, this video brought science and history together forming a real sense of urgency to prepare now for the future earthquake that is predicted to come. It will be devastating if you don’t have a plan.
When the Cascadia Subduction Earthquake does hit, it is predicted to affect 13 million people from British Columbia down Washington and Oregon to northern California, primarily west of the Cascade Mountains. However, there is a possibility it could trigger volcanic eruptions in our Cascade Mountains.
Typically, these types of earthquakes are very survivable, but only if you are prepared. Putting an emergency kit together with food, water, medication and survival items will be imperative. Public Service/First Responders may not get to us for weeks due to this many people being affected. Once First Responders can be mobilized, they will begin to service the most populated areas first. The trouble spots will be in our infrastructure, including road and bridges, which may cause significant delays.
It will also trigger a tsunami compounding the disaster along the Pacific Northwest coastline. It will be very important if you are on the coast that you know your escape route, know the actions to take and don’t hesitate getting to higher ground immediately.
How well you are prepared will determine the outcome of this disaster to you and your family. We know that we have the potential for such an earthquake and tsunami in the Pacific Northwest; we have the option to take responsibility for our household members, pets and livestock. It’s all about being personally prepared.
Through the video, it is suggested to try spending a weekend in disaster mode to test your emergency plan and supplies. No electricity, no gas, no phones/internet, no TV/cable, no heat, no water from your faucets and see how your family does. Practice an earthquake drill. How can you make the experience more comfortable for your family with the items you have available in your emergency kit?:
View this video titled: Great Cascadia Earthquakes.
Ken Nygren continued our class by discussing what to do when an earthquake happens: immediately Drop, Cover, Hold-on. He reviewed supplies to have in your emergency kits and details in your emergency plan while encouraging everyone to have their plan in place and practiced it with your household members. KYN,
Know your neighbors! In times of a disaster your closest neighbors are going to become part of your survival team. Exchange contact information, encourage them to have an emergency preparedness plan including food and water.
Ken showed a second video of a subduction earthquake in Japan and the liquefaction that took place. As the ground is compressed, water is squeezed and forced to the surface. This can happen depending on the soil you are on. Those properties that are on sandy loam along the Willamette River, are likely to experience this. This video clip shows amazing live footage of liquefaction happened in Japan during an earthquake. View this video titled: Japanese Earthquake Liquefaction
Our next guest speaker was Ryan Buller with McMinneville Gas. Ryan provided a hand-out on what to do with your propane gas tanks in the event of an earthquake. He showed us the valve system on propane and the ease of turning it off if you smell any gas or hear any hissing sound. There is also a seismic gas shut off valve that can be added to your tank. And, an adapter and hose if you wish to fill smaller propane tanks from your main tank. These items along with propane and tank service and maintenance can be performed by McMinnville Gas.
Contact: Ryan Buller, McMinnville Gas Co, 503-472-7220, www.mcminnvillegas.com
To link to information on propane tanks and Earthquakes: Propane Safety – Earth Quake Brochure
Our next speaker was John Stadeli, owner of Arrow Drilling from Newberg. John discussed your well water and the possible effects of an earthquake. If the well becomes compromised, you’ll want to turn off your pump and avoid debris from getting into your pump and house lines. John answered many questions from our class attendees.
Contact: John Stadeli, Arrow Drilling, 503-538-4422, www.arrowdrilling.net
For questions regarding your well pump, it was suggested to call Phillips Pumps.
Our final guest speaker had to cancel due to illness, but I wanted to share his information with our community. Eric Bryant owns Bryant Power Service. They sell and service generators of all sized for residential and commercial use.
Contact: Eric Bryant, Bryant Power Service, 503-807-8648, www.bryantpowerservices.com Another source of emergency generator systems and installation is Parkin Electric.
Linda Edwards and Stan Halle concluded our 5th and final training session of 2016 with a short presentation on the progress of the community plan and a check list of home emergency preparedness to do.
Disclaimer: The Ladd Hill Neighborhood Association does not endorse or recommend the Contractors or Business Services mentioned in this website. These recommendations are merely being passed on to you as a possible source of services. It is your responsibility to determine if the Contractors or Business Services listed are appropriate for your use.
