On February 28, 2001, the magnitude 6.8 Nisqually Earthquake shook the Puget Sound region. Today, 15 years later, King County Emergency Management is preparing for a Cascadia megaquake by participating in a multi-state, multi-agency exercise this summer.

When the Nisqually Earthquake struck, the region was shaken. It had been more than 50 years since the last significant quake in the region. In the aftermath, many individuals and organizations stepped up their efforts to prepare for the next earthquake.

While smaller quakes have rattled King County since then, there hasn’t been a significant earthquake. Thousands of new residents have moved to King County, many of whom have no experience with earthquakes.

Washington State ranks second only to California for being susceptible to earthquake damage.

The Cascadia Subduction Zone poses a significant risk to King County and the entire Pacific Northwest. Researchers believe that when this fault moves, it could cause a magnitude 9.0 earthquake that would affect the entire West Coast. Coastal areas could be inundated by a tsunami; landslides and soil liquefaction would cause significant impacts in King County.

No one knows when the next quake will strike.

King County Emergency Management is prepared to respond. This June, the office will take part in the Cascadia Rising disaster drill. This four-day exercise will involve federal, state, and local agencies from across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and British Columbia, testing their plans to respond to a megaquake.

“As emergency planners, we understand the importance of developing strategies for how first responders and communities will work together to recover from a disaster,” said Walt Hubbard, director of King County Emergency Management.

“Our participation in regional exercises like Cascadia Rising tests our capabilities and models the planning behaviors we encourage every resident to adopt.”

When the next earthquake strikes, King County residents should remember to “drop, cover and hold on.”

Drop to the floor.

Take cover under a sturdy table.

Hold on until the shaking stops.

Since infrastructure and services could be disrupted for weeks following a catastrophic earthquake, residents should plan now to be self-sufficient. This includes having at least a three-day supply of food and water for themselves, family, and pets.

It’s also a good idea to have an emergency kit that contains supplies such as a flashlight, extra batteries, blankets, a first-aid kit, cash, and a battery-powered radio.

For more information on preparing an emergency kit, visit www.MakeItThrough.org.