It’s not a matter of if but when a devastating earthquake will hit the Pacific Northwest. Seismologists have been predicting a temblor of 8.0 or greater on the Richter scale in our part of the country for several years. The question is: Are we ready for the big one?
The answer is probably “no.” Washington – resting atop the Cascadian Subduction Zone – has the second-highest earthquake risk in the nation, but a 2017 survey says only 14% of Washington households west of the Cascades have earthquake insurance, each with about $500,000 worth of coverage. (Residents in King County are insured at about $700,000; single-family homes are currently selling at a median $850,000.)
We are no stranger to earthquakes. The most severe in recent memory was the so-called Nisqually quake, which hit in 2001 with a magnitude of 6.8 and epicenter near Olympia, causing some $2B in damage. Two years earlier, a 5.8-magnitude Satsop quake caused $8B in damage, including a retrofit of the historic courthouse in Montesano, Grays Harbor County.
Seismologists compare our region of the world to New Zealand, where it too sits atop a shallow subduction zone and features older structures like those in the Pacific Northwest. A 2011 quake in Christchurch, with a 6.3 magnitude, killed 185 people, caused a whopping $40B in damage and, thankfully, is reported to be the best-insured major city ever for this type of natural disaster.
Government and insurance officials in the U.S. are actively calling for better preparedness among residents and businesses, as well as making earthquake-resistant improvements to the region’s infrastructure. The 86% of uninsured Washington households could face financial strain if a catastrophic quake occurred.
Earthquake insurance can run a household anywhere from $15 to $40 (or more) a month, typically with a deductible of 10%-15% on the policy limit. Rates are determined by the age and condition of the structure and location of the property, with homes built since 1990 having stronger seismic standards and typically lower rates.
Tip: It’s important to make sure a household’s quake policy includes loss-of-use, which covers temporary accommodation and food expenses while the existing home is being repaired. This benefit alone could add up to thousands of dollars if quake damage left the home uninhabitable for a long period.
Standard homeowners and renters’ policies do not typically cover damage from a quake and most lenders and mortgage underwriters do not require such coverage. Fewer insurers offer quake insurance to owners of older homes without a retrofit, which can cost about 2% of the home’s value to address, according to HomeAdvisor.
Retrofit or not, we know one thing: When the earth shakes, pipes break. After a major jolt, residents should immediately turn off water to the building/home to help keep water closest to the tap clean. Providing drinking water to households will be a low priority for utilities and municipalities, with firefighting and other emergency services – particularly hospitals and shelters – taking precedent.
Tip: Find, label, and educate family members on how to turn off the main water valves (in and out of the home). Store one gallon for each resident per day x 14 days, and one-third gallon for each four-legged pet per day x 14 days. Buy bottled water – or fill appropriate containers safely. Stash bottled water in cars, empty freezers or suitcases. Make sure the hot water heater is secured properly and tape a handout to the water tank to know how to get water out of it in an emergency.
Preparing the Home for an Earthquake
- Lie in every bed of your house and look up and around; move objects that might fall on someone
- Include a sturdy pair of shoes and pair of socks, as well as a light source (flashlight/headlamp) under each bed in case the quake strikes at night
- Alternatively, put shoes and light in a bag and secure to the bedpost
What to Do If the Earth Shakes When Inside
- In bed: Turn face down, place pillow over your head and protect your neck; Once shaking stops, grab light source and put on your shoes.
- In school or office: Move away from windows, drop, cover and hold on. Protect your neck.
- When no table or desk nearby: Crawl to an interior wall or next to low-lying furniture. Stay there until shaking stops.
- In a store: Squat next to a grocery cart or beneath clothing racks. Protect children.
- In an elevator: Push all the buttons to get the elevator to stop and try to pry open the doors to get out. If stuck, use the emergency call button but realize you will likely be among hundreds calling at the same time.
- In a theater: Get as low as you can. Protect your head and neck.
- Just left a building: Go back inside. Drop, cover and hold on.
When outside and too far from a safe structure, get as low as you can. Stay away from power lines, bridges, overpasses and vehicles.
When driving, pull over and set the parking brake. Avoid overpasses, bridges and power lines.
Near the shore, drop and protect your head. As soon as possible, walk fast to higher ground and inland. If the water recedes quickly, a tsunami may be approaching.
Here is an infographic summary within this article from The Seattle Times.
Your phone will be an important form of communication. In addition to alerting friends/family of your situation, many municipalities offer emergency notifications and updates through mobile apps. (Charge spare battery packs to keep devices powered. Use the car radio as an alternate source of information.)
Learn more about what to do after an earthquake, as well as how to make a twin bucket toilet. (Print the twin bucket toilet directions and put them inside the buckets.) Plus, sign up for the Seattle Prepares newsletter for additional insights and tips.
Being safe means being prepared!