Disaster preparedness moved back to the top of many people's minds in Washington state earlier this year when a tsunami watch went into effect for the entire West Coast in the wake of a magnitude 7.9 earthquake near Alaska.
The alerts were canceled as more information and analysis allowed scientists to better define the threat; but the scare is a reminder of Washington's own fault line.
The Cascadia Subduction Zone is a fault that sits along the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, and two plates colliding could eventually slip, triggering a massive earthquake that could shake the northwest. The CSZ has produced magnitude 9.0 or greater earthquakes in the past, and undoubtedly will in the future, according to Pacific Northwest Siesmic Network.
>> 5 things to help you easily understand the 'big one'
Emergency management leaders encourage individuals and families to have a plan in the event of a disaster. People should prepare to survive on their own for seven to 10 days. Here's King County Department of Emergency Management's how to make an emergency kit on a budget for individuals and families.
Scroll down to keep reading.
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Individuals
Take the time to think about your daily activities. What do you need to do to ensure that you are able to recover from a disaster that disrupts your life? Do you have pets? Below are basics for a checklist.
Water
1 gallon per person per day
Food
Non-perishable food with a long shelf-life
Consider products that do not require cooking
Food items you like to eat
Electronics
Light-sources that are battery powered or hand-cranked
Portable radio and extra batteries (a great way to stay informed)
Have alternate means to charge electronics, such as your phone or computer
Clothing
At least one extra pair of warm clothing
Rainproof outer clothing and boots to keep you dry
Comfortable, sturdy shoes in case you need to walk long distances
First Aid kit
Basic items, such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze pads, scissors, tweezers, and pain-relief medication
Prescriptions and personal medical equipment
Click here for a PDF that you can download listing emergency kit items.
Family:
In addition to the checklist above, it is important for your family to discuss how to contact one another, reunite, and respond during different situations. A good family emergency plan should include:
A home meeting spot
An out-of-area contact
Public safety phone numbers for your area (police, fire, hospital)
Reunification location, if you can’t make it to your home
Each family member should keep personal and emergency phone numbers in a safe place, such as your wallet or emergency kit. They should also know alternative methods for contacting each other if phone lines are down, and for traveling to your reunification location. Deciding these details in advance will help make you calmer during a disaster.
Click here for a PDF that you can download listing family emergency kit items.
Related headlines to the ‘big one’
- SLIDESHOW: Geologic illustrations explain the Cascadia subduction
- How to build a 7-day disaster emergency survival kit on a budget
- State's largest quake drill ever to test readiness for 'The Big One'
- Mexico's strongest earthquake in a century recorded at Mt. Rainier
- 5 things to help you easily understand the 'big one'