Earthquake

Overview

Oregon is seismically active, with hundreds of earthquakes occurring every year. Most of these earthquakes are so small they can only be detected by sensitive instruments.

An earthquake is a sudden movement of the Earth, caused by the abrupt release of strain that has accumulated over a long time. Sometimes the movement is gradual. At other times, the plates are locked together, unable to release the accumulating energy. When the accumulated energy grows strong enough, the plates break free. If the earthquake occurs near populated areas, it may cause many deaths and injuries, and extensive property damage.

Oregon is affected by the Cascadia Subduction Zone where the Juan de Fuca plate slides underneath the North American plate. While earthquakes along this zone occur infrequently, plate movement can produce major earthquakes. In addition, Western Oregon is underlain by a large and complex system of faults that can produce damaging earthquakes; these smaller faults produce lower magnitude events, but their ground shaking can be strong and damage can be great to structures nearby. For more information on Oregon earthquakes click here.

What to Do in Case of... Earthquake

The danger and risks of earthquakes can be reduced if people know what actions to take before, during and after an earthquake.

BEFORE...

Make sure shelves are secure and designed with latching doors or raised edges to prevent objects from falling. Top-heavy furniture and equipment must be bolted to walls or floor. (Physical Plant can assist with these measures.)
Store breakables and heavy objects on lower shelves. Overhead lights, heavy artwork, and mirrors need to be anchored (by Physical Plant).
Store flammable liquids in flammable liquids storage cabinets.

DURING...

drop cover hold If INDOORS, stay indoors. Move away from windows that may break and furniture or large objects that could fall over. Take cover under a table, bench or desk and hold on, or go to an interior wall or hallway. Expect fire alarm and sprinkler systems to activate.

If you're in a CROWDED ROOM OR PUBLIC PLACE, do not rush for exits. If outdoors, stay outdoors. Move to an open area away from trees, buildings, utility poles and lines, or signs.

If in a VEHICLE, pull to the side of the road as quickly as possible, but keep away from overhead hazards such as trees, buildings, utility poles and lines, signs, and bridges. Stay in the vehicle until the shaking stops.

If you're in a THEATER OR STADIUM, stay in your seat or get under it if possible, and protect your head with your arms. Do not try to leave until the shaking is over.

AFTER...

Only after the shaking stops, evacuate cautiously, taking your keys, wallet, purse, coat, and any emergency supplies.
On your way out, look for signs of building damage or for persons who are injured or trapped. Watch for falling objects as you leave the building.
Do not re-enter until declared safe by authorities.
Go to your department Evacuation Assembly Point, tell your supervisor or department floor warden that you are out of the building and report injured or trapped persons and any signs of building damage you observed.
Call 9-1-1 (or 346-6666 from a campus phone) only to report a life threatening emergency. If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound indoors - open windows and leave the building. Turn off the gas source and call your gas company. Do not use matches, candles, open flames or electric switches indoors. Turn on a battery-powered or vehicle radio if available for information.
If possible, do not use the phone for local calls, except emergencies, during the first 15-30 minutes after the earthquake. Overloading the phone system with calls may delay the delivery of emergency assistance.

Additional Information:

USGS/Pacific NW: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/regional/pacnw/index.php