With all of the recent natural disasters we have all been experiencing I think it might be timely to remind everyone of our own “disaster scenario”. This is not meant as fear mongering…rather, just a reminder to be aware of where we live and the types of natural disasters we all live with here in Portland.
“Geologists estimate there’s a 10% chance of a magnitude 9 earthquake in Portland over the next 50 years — and a 37 percent chance of a magnitude 8 or less. This is from an OPB article, “How would Portland fare in an earthquake”, 4.18.12, (see link) ~ “http://www.opb.org/news/article/how-would-portland-fare-earthquake/
Are you prepared? Do you know what you would do…should do?
Below is what PSU has to say about this catastrophe:
Stay calm. You must be able to help yourself and others.
- Drop, cover and hold on. Move as little as possible.
- Stay away from windows to avoid being injured by shattered glass.
- Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to exit. If you must leave the building after the shaking stops, use stairs rather than an elevator in case there are aftershocks, power outages or other damage.
- Be aware that fire alarms and sprinkler systems frequently go off in buildings during an earthquake, even if there is no fire.
There is no perfect plan, no automatic behavior anyone can enact that will guarantee your safety, but I believe by simply being aware of where you are and what you can do- is probably the best advice any of us can rely upon.