Today marks 24 years since the Nisqually #Earthquake. This was Washington’s most recent damaging earthquake. Today, let’s remember this event, and think about what we have done to be more prepared for future earthquakes.
🧵 We’ll share some memories from WA EMD staff – please reply with yours!
🧵 We’ll share some memories from WA EMD staff – please reply with yours!
Comments
Most of our school was seated on the floor in our gym for an assembly where a magician was performing a magic act. He was nearing the end of his act when he asked a kid to open a chest for a surprise. This little girl goes up, lifts it open
While many think this is a "small" earthquake, shaking was very intense in some areas, especially close to the epicenter, and in areas with loose sediment that amplify shaking.
People really have to be right next to each other to have the same experience in an earthquake.
A Cascadia subduction zone #earthquake’s shaking could last for 5-6 minutes.
Learn how to Drop, Cover, and Hold On in some common situations here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHm6ZYfq8Pk
Now, before the ground shakes, there is so much you can you do to be more prepared for it!
Visit https://mil.wa.gov/earthquake to learn more about what you can do now!
Thanks for sharing your story!
Even if there isn't a desk around, getting low to the ground and covering your head and neck are important. Music stands, and/or instrument cases are much better cover than nothing if you need to protect yourself in a pinch!
A family friend got me for the rest of the day, for safety.
This is a great story about how important it is to have plans with your family for what you will do in an emergency, since it can be a very confusing time!
A family emergency plan needs to account for disabilities as well, both physical and mental. Routes for the wheelchair, protocol for panic attacks etc. We're called 'vulnerable' for a reason!
Have you done any additional earthquake preparedness since then?
It's amazing how fast that can happen! We try to emphasize the importance of having a family plan, but part of that plan means checking with the school to know their reunification plans, too! https://mil.wa.gov/plan
That's part of the reason "Cover" is such an important part of "Drop, Cover, and Hold On!" Even if it seems like nothing is around to take cover, cover your head and neck with your hands and arms to help protect them.
Thank you for sharing!
(*knocks on wood* since earthquakes will certainly be part of this state's future).
Thanks for sharing!
You can impress your SoCal friend by letting them know that what you were actually feeling was earthquake "intensity." Magnitude stays the same but what you feel changes a lot based on where you are: https://www.usgs.gov/programs/earthquake-hazards/modified-mercalli-intensity-scale
Certainly not a bad place to be in case of aftershocks, but being near cover is also acceptable!
It can be hard to tell an earthquake is happening ...it's a bit confusing. We do have a free tool available on every phone in Washington that can help, called ShakeAlert.
You can learn more about how to find it here: https://mil.wa.gov/alerts#shakealert