Earthquakes are possible in Washington state – be prepared

From Gov. Inslee’s e-newsletter:

Tens of thousands of people have died after devastating earthquakes in Syria and Türkiye. Washington state faces a similar threat – the state sits atop fault lines and has the second highest risk in the U.S. of large and damaging earthquakes. Most populated areas 40–80% likely to observe an earthquake within 50 years. There is currently no way to predict when an earthquake might hit nor its intensity. Preparation is vital.

While the state has upgraded bridges, infrastructure, and building codes to be more earthquake resilient, large-scale exercises have shown that Washingtonians should stock supplies and medication in case of a catastrophic event. The Washington Emergency Management Division (EMD) recommends keeping a two-week supply ready for events like snowstorms, tsunamis, or earthquakes.

EMD also recommends downloading the MyShake App (Android / iOS) and activating Wireless Emergency Alerts at https://mil.wa.gov/alerts. ShakeAlert provides a few seconds of warning ahead of an earthquake – perhaps enough time for collect a child or pet and drop, cover and hold on before the shaking begins.

Small steps each month can help you prepare. Learn more at: https://mil.wa.gov/preparedness