News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
The massive earthquake that struck northern Japan on Friday morning, March 11 (PST) brings in to sharp focus the potential for disaster that looms on the Pacific Rim.
While Oregon does not have the constant earthquake threat seen along the San Andreas Fault in California, the potential for a major plate subduction quake exists in the Pacific Northwest.
Rob Witter, coastal geologist with the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, spoke in 2009 about the potential of an earthquake in the Cascadia subduction zone off the Oregon coast, as reported in The Oregonian.
"The amount of devastation is going to be unbelievable," he said. "People aren't going to be ready for this. Even if they are prepared, they are going to be surprised by the level of devastation."
Central Oregon might escape the brunt of the earthquake damage, but the Sisters Country would still likely face significant disruption of services, especially if highways are cut. And, if they're not, the region might face an influx of people trying to leave the quake zone.
Local government agencies have emergency plans for dealing with everything from wildfire to floods to earthquakes. But individuals and families need to be prepared to make their lives safer and more comfortable in the event of a major catastrophe.
You may be on your own, unable to reach emergency responders, who may be overwhelmed in any case.
"The phones will probably be jammed," said Sisters Fire Chief Tay Robertson. "You will not necessarily be able to utilize the telephone."
It's very important that individuals and families do everything they can on their own to avoid overburdening emergency services at a critical time.
"For us, chaos is very, very difficult to manage," Robertson said. "The most important thing is to have a plan and to remain calm as you execute your personal or your family emergency plan."
You should know how to shut off your utilities - electricity, water, gas. Make sure you have all your medicines and other medical supply needs on hand if you have to evacuate. If your plans include leaving the area, know in advance where you are going and be sure that loved ones know how to contact you.
A portable, hand-cranked radio can be a key communications tool where you can obtain emergency information when other sources - from the Internet to the TV - are down.
The Sisters Fire Department has handouts from the American Red Cross and the National Fire Protection Association detailing what you should have in an emergency supply kit.
Some basics include:
• At least a three-day supply of water based on one gallon per person per day.
• Ready-to-eat food, canned juices, comfort foods - at least a three-day supply.
• Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio.
• Flashlights and batteries.
• A good first aid kit.
• Fire-starting materials.
• Extra clothing; blankets; sleeping bags.
• Personal hygiene items.
• Passport; bank account numbers; credit card account numbers; cash.
• Important family documents, contact information.
For information on preparedness, visit ready.gov.
Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.
Reader Comments(0)