Risk Reduction
Although we cannot predict exactly when an earthquake will occur, we do know that the Cascadia region is seismically active and large, damaging quakes will occur in the future. Preparedness, planning, and mitigation are effective ways to reduce the impacts of earthquakes and many of these exercises can make you, your family, and your business more prepared for earthquakes and other disasters.
Preparedness refers to steps taken before and earthquake to be ready for the event. This could include building an emergency kit, establishing and out-of-area contact, and learning basic first aid techniques.
Planning refers to establishing a set of actions that will occur during and after an earthquake. This is particularly valuable to business owners and governmental agencies to help them recover from an earthquake. Possibilities include establishing a contingency plan, ensuring employees make it home safely, and creating partnerships with other businesses or agencies to recover together.
Mitigation refers to intervening actions take before an earthquake to reduce the potentially damaging effects. This could include securing water heaters and building contents, purchasing earthquake insurance or structural upgrades to a building.
Below are different ways you can reduce the impacts of earthquakes to you, your family and your business.