Preparing now reduces stress, speeds recovery, and can save lives when a major seismic event occurs. This guide focuses on realistic, high-impact steps that people across Oregon — from coastal towns to the Willamette Valley and eastern communities — can take to be ready.
Know the risks and local alerts
Parts of Oregon face both strong ground shaking and tsunami risk along the coast due to offshore fault systems. Inland communities may experience powerful shaking from crustal faults. Sign up for county emergency alerts, enable Wireless Emergency Alerts on phones, and keep a battery-powered NOAA weather radio handy. Local emergency management offices and state geology agencies offer maps showing tsunami evacuation zones and likely hazard areas — review these for your neighborhood and workplace.
Build a practical emergency kit
Aim for supplies that sustain household members and pets for at least 72 hours. Include water (one gallon per person per day), nonperishable food, a manual can opener, basic first aid, any prescription medications, flashlights, extra batteries, a multi-tool, and a portable phone charger or solar recharger. Keep copies of important documents in a waterproof container and consider a small amount of cash; electronic payment systems may be down after a major event.
Secure your home and reduce hazards
Fast, inexpensive fixes can reduce injury and damage.
Bolt tall bookcases and cabinets to wall studs; install latches on drawers to keep contents from spilling; strap water heaters and secure heavy appliances. Inspect flexible gas lines and know how to shut off your gas if you smell it — keep a wrench near the shutoff valve and only turn gas back on through a qualified technician. If you live in an older home, consult local retrofit programs for seismic strengthening options like foundation bolting and cripple wall reinforcement.
Plan evacuation and family communication
Develop a family plan that includes an out-of-area contact, meeting locations, and how to reunite if phones are overloaded. Practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” drills at home and work. Coastal residents should know tsunami evacuation routes and identify high ground or vertical evacuation locations near beaches and harbors — evacuation signage is posted in many coastal towns; familiarize yourself with the routes now so you can move quickly if officials advise evacuation.
Community and workplace preparedness
Neighborhood networks and workplace disaster plans amplify resilience.
Join or start a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) or neighborhood preparedness group to coordinate resources, check on vulnerable neighbors, and share skills like first aid and light search and rescue. Employers should have clear evacuation procedures, designated shelter areas, and plans for accounting for staff after an event.
Insurance and recovery planning
Insurance can be a critical part of recovery. Standard homeowner policies don’t automatically cover earthquake damage; check options for earthquake coverage, retrofit discounts, and flood or tsunami-related impacts. Document valuables with photos and keep an inventory to speed recovery and claims processing.
Use trusted resources
State and local emergency management agencies, regional geology offices, the American Red Cross, and federal preparedness sites offer checklists, maps, and training. Attend community preparedness fairs and town hall events to stay informed.
Being ready for earthquakes in Oregon doesn’t require extraordinary effort — small, proactive steps add up. Secure your space, prepare durable supplies, practice a communication plan, and plug into local emergency networks to increase safety and speed recovery when shaking strikes.