Oregon sits above one of the most powerful seismic threats on the continent. Communities from the coast to the Willamette Valley face different hazards when a major Cascadia Subduction Zone event occurs: strong shaking, landslides, liquefaction, and tsunami exposure along the coast. Knowing practical steps to reduce risk can make a life-changing difference.
Understand local risks
– Coastal towns (Astoria, Seaside, Newport, Coos Bay and others) face both violent shaking and tsunami waves arriving within minutes. Evacuation routes and vertical-evacuation structures are marked in many communities—learn those routes and practice them with household members.
– The Willamette Valley, including Portland and Eugene, is vulnerable to prolonged shaking and soil liquefaction in low-lying and reclaimed areas.
Older unreinforced masonry buildings and homes with cripple walls are at increased risk.
– Remote and rural areas can be cut off by landslides and damaged roads, so plan for extended isolation.
Build an emergency kit
– Store at least several days’ worth of supplies per person: water (one gallon per person per day), nonperishable food, a hand-crank or battery radio, flashlights, spare batteries, first-aid supplies, and personal medications.
– Include a multi-tool, cash, copies of important documents, a whistle, heavy work gloves, and sturdy shoes.
– Consider additional items for colder months: extra blankets, warm clothing, and ways to stay warm safely if power is out.
Make a household plan
– Identify safe spots in each room (under sturdy furniture or next to interior walls) and practice drop, cover, and hold on.
– Establish a communication plan with an out-of-area contact and a predetermined meeting location if the home is unsafe or family members are separated.
– Know how to shut off gas, water, and electricity, and keep the proper tools accessible.
Strengthen your home
– Anchor water heaters and tall furniture; bolt bookcases and secure heavy items to walls.
– Have a qualified contractor evaluate and reinforce foundations, cripple walls, and masonry chimneys. Simple retrofits can significantly reduce damage.
– Install flexible gas connectors and consider automatic gas shutoff valves where feasible.
Learn community resources and plans
– Familiarize yourself with local evacuation maps, tsunami sirens, and the location of vertical-evacuation sites on the coast.
– Sign up for emergency alerts from county emergency management offices and the statewide alerting system.
– Take basic training through local Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) or American Red Cross classes to help neighbors if professional responders are overwhelmed.
Plan for pets and special needs
– Include pet food, carriers, and vaccination records in your kit. Have a plan for family members with mobility, medical, or communication needs, including alternative power for medical devices.
Long-term resilience
– Community-level preparedness—retrofits for schools, hospitals, lifelines like water and power, and strengthened transportation corridors—reduces recovery time. Engage with local planning efforts, public meetings, and volunteer opportunities to support resilience efforts in your town.
A few small actions now can reduce stress and save lives when the ground starts to move.
Review plans regularly, refresh supplies, and talk with neighbors about community-level preparedness. Starting with simple steps creates greater safety and confidence when it matters most.