Showing posts with label earthquake. Show all posts
Showing posts with label earthquake. Show all posts

Help UW researchers understand preparedness of Shoreline residents in face of earthquakes

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Earthquake damage 1965 King street
A team of researchers affiliated with the University of Washington is trying to gain insights into the resilience of our local community. 

You can play a crucial role in achieving this goal.

Below is information on a comprehensive survey aimed at understanding the preparedness of residents of Shoreline and Kirkland in the face of earthquake hazards. 

Your participation in this survey is invaluable, as the information you provide will contribute to a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities for our community.

Taking the survey is easy and will only require 15 minutes of your time.

You can scan the QR code (in the flyer) or use this link to access the survey 

All responses will remain confidential. We understand that your time is valuable, and we genuinely appreciate your participation.

If you have any questions or concerns about the survey, please feel free to contact us


Read more...

Did you feel it? 4.3 magnitude earthquake Sunday in Puget Sound

Monday, October 9, 2023

Sunday's earthquake
Map courtesy PNSN

The Pacific Northwest Seismic Network (PNSN) reported a Magnitude 4.3 earthquake on Sunday, October 8, 2023 at 7:21 PDT. It was at a depth of 57km, 20.9 miles north from Poulsbo, Washington / 23.44 miles WNW from Everett. 

It was felt from Vancouver to Olympic, the length of Puget Sound.

But did you feel it? Some did, some didn't. Some dogs reacted and other didn't seem to notice or react. Don't ask your cat - they don't care.

PNSN would like to have you tell them whether you felt it or not. Here's the link

Folks may be wondering why they did not get an earthquake warning message on their phones. 

ShakeAlert did not send out a public warning because the quake was not big enough to meet the alert threshold. If they had, we would have had an 11 second advance notice.

--Diane Hettrick


Read more...

Third Place Books raises over $7,000 for earthquake relief in Turkey and Syria

Friday, February 17, 2023

Photo by Steven H. Robinson
From Third Place Books

We are so grateful to everyone who participated in our fundraiser last week. (see previous article)

Thanks to you, we were able to raise $7,252.00 for earthquake relief efforts in Turkey and Syria.

Your donation went directly to the White Helmets, an all volunteer group currently assisting in recovery operations. For more information about The White Helmets, or to make an additional donation, click here.

Thank you again for your generosity!

More Ways to Help



Read more...

Third Place Books fundraiser for earthquake relief efforts

Friday, February 10, 2023

Photo by Steven H. Robinson
This Saturday, February 11, 2023 Third Place Books will donate 20 percent of all sales to aid earthquake relief efforts in Southern Turkey and Northern Syria.

Proceeds will go to the White Helmets (also known as the Syria Civil Defence). Where public services no longer function, these humanitarian volunteers risk their lives to help those in need regardless of their religion or politics. 

Known for their distinctive headwear, the rescue workers operate in the most dangerous place on earth and have saved more than 100,000 lives over the past five years.

Over 3000 White Helmet volunteers are currently on the ground in the earthquake-ravaged region searching for survivors, pulling victims from collapsed buildings, and transporting hundreds of injured people to hospitals in freezing snow and rain.

Third Place Books will be donating 20 percent of sales from all three stores (Lake Forest Park, Ravenna, Seward Park) as well as online sales. Call 206-366-3333 or visit the website.

Learn more about how to help


Read more...

Magnitude 7.2 earthquake hits crisis-plagued Haiti

Monday, August 16, 2021

World Concern Staff are Safe as Agency Prepares to Respond

August 14, 2021 (PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti) – Saturday, August 14, at approximately 8:26am EST a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Haiti 8 km (5 miles) from the town of Petit Trou de Nippes, about 150 km west of the capital city of Port-au-Prince.

Initial reports indicate the potential for high casualties and widespread disaster. It is expected that the aftershocks will cause more damage than the original earthquake event. Response efforts could be further complicated by Tropical Storm Grace, which is expected to reach Haiti on Monday or Tuesday, bringing heavy rain.

The epicenter of the earthquake was in one of World Concern’s current areas of operation, and there are widespread impacts on all of World Concern’s project areas. Hospitals are overwhelmed with injuries. World Concern is closely monitoring the situation and preparing to respond.

Graphic courtesy U.S. Gov/earthquake

All World Concern staff are safe and accounted for as of 10:00am EST. One staff member reports her home was damaged and she has left with her children. Another reported he obtained minor scrapes in his home during the earthquake.

“I am very saddened to hear of the latest disaster to hit the country of Haiti, a country reeling from so much pain,” said World Concern President, Nick Archer. “We are thankful that our staff are safe, and we ask our supporters to pray for those affected at this time.”

For more information on World Concern, or to donate, visit www.worldconcern.org

World Concern is a Christian global relief and development organization headquartered in Shoreline, Washington. At World Concern, the solutions we offer, the work we do, creates lasting, sustainable change. Lasting change that provides lasting hope. Our areas of expertise include disaster response, clean water, education, food security, child protection, microfinance and health.



Read more...

“It was a nightmare…” World Concern remembers Haiti earthquake devastation at 10th Anniversary

Sunday, January 19, 2020

World Concern staff assess damage - January 2010
Photo courtesy World Concern


“I heard a noise like a storm,” recalls Efanor Nore, World Concern Haiti Country Representative, of the moment when the magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck his home nation, on January 12, 2010. 

He was driving through Haiti’s capital city Port-au-Prince when the road buckled in front of him and another car smashed into the broken concrete. Buildings collapsed before his eyes, and people ran into the streets, screaming for help.

“It was a nightmare,” said Nore, as he recounts the day no Haitian will ever forget.

Sunday, January 12, 2020, marked the 10-year anniversary of the devastating quake that hit Port-au-Prince at 4:53pm local time. The disaster caused an estimated 300,000 deaths, displaced more than a million people, and damaged nearly half of all structures in the epicentral area.

World Concern, based in Shoreline, launched a massive response that assisted tens of thousands of people who were affected by the disaster.

Initial aid focused on meeting immediate needs for shelter, water, medical care, and income. In the months that followed, World Concern provided transitional shelters to families who lost their homes, and cash grants to families and business owners to restart businesses that were lost, among other activities.

Since 2010, World Concern has implemented multiple disaster risk reduction projects aimed at equipping families and communities to be better prepared and more resilient in the face of recurring disasters, particularly weather-related disasters, with a goal of bringing national disaster plans that are in place down to the household level, where training and equipping are needed most.

“Community members have to own the process,” explains World Concern Deputy Director of Disaster Response, Maggie Konstanski. “At World Concern, we don’t see disaster as a one-time event, but always aim to leave a community more resilient and protected than before.”
“When communities are truly equipped with early warning systems, trained on how to use them, and they’re owned at the community level, and an effective, safe plan is in place, it does save lives,” says Konstanski. “The community wants to protect and save themselves. We’re giving them the knowledge and tools to protect themselves.”

Despite efforts by the Haitian community, aid organizations, and the government, the unique and extensive challenges in Haiti have prolonged and even crippled rebuilding efforts. Nore believes only about 3% of buildings in Port-au-Prince have been rebuilt in 10 years. And an estimated 38,000 people still live in tents and makeshift camps that were set up after the quake.

Corruption, gang violence, political crisis, and drugs have left the city in a state of ruin Nore feels is even worse than 2010.

Is there hope for Haiti? Nore believes so.

“Haiti is really resilient. Even at this time of political crisis … Haitians still have hope,” he said. 
“They think a new day will come where people around the world will use the example of what Haiti has faced over the past 100 years of suffering to learn … The time of Haiti will come,” he said. 
“We continue to be an example—positively. We face more than any civilization has faced in the past. We hope to use our past experience to move forward.”

More information on World Concern, or to donate, HERE 

World Concern, headquartered in Shoreline, is a Christian global relief and development organization. With our supporters, our faith compels us to extend life-saving help and opportunity to people facing the most profound human challenges of extreme poverty. At World Concern, the solutions we offer, the work we do, creates lasting, sustainable change. Lasting change that provides lasting hope.Our areas of expertise include disaster response, clean water, education, food security, child protection, microfinance and health.



Read more...

Rotary clubs to hear about earthquakes

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Shoreline Rotary will join Lake Forest Park Rotary Wednesday morning October 23, 2019, 7-8:30am at the Lake Forest Park Presbyterian Church to hear a very important speaker. The church is located at 17440 Brookside Boulevard NE in Lake Forest Park.

Whether you love the excitement of Mother Nature’s shake-ups, or loathe the unpredictability of such events, earthquakes are probably here to stay. 


Steve Malone, seismologist
Seismologist Steve Malone, Director Emeritus of the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network and Professor Emeritus of the Department of Earth and Space Sciences at the University of Washington, has made it his life’s work to study and understand earthquakes.

Dr. Malone has been involved with the experiments in which scientists used the human-caused “earthquakes” at Seahawks Stadium to figure out how quickly they could warn of an impending quake. 

"The Seahawks experiment should provide us and the Internet-connected public with a feel for the minimum time early warning might provide," said Steve Malone in 2015. 

Now, seismologists may soon be ready to finalize their efforts on the first real early warning system. While it can’t exactly predict an earthquake, it could give us a head start for cover when an earthquake is just beginning. 

Steve will explain how the system operates and what they’re still working on. Now in the testing phase, it could be available in the Pacific Northwest in a year or so!

Visitors are welcome!



Read more...

Should you have earthquake insurance?

Monday, July 29, 2019

Maple Valley road 1965
Photo from King County Archives
We had a small rattler a couple of weeks ago. It wasn't The Big One, but it should have been a wake up call that we need to take some precautions for when a bigger one comes.

One of the things to consider is earthquake insurance.

For most people, their home is their greatest financial asset. Mortgagers require that you have homeowner's insurance but earthquake insurance is optional.

Earthquake damage is not covered under homeowner's insurance.

Earthquake insurance is an added endorsement to your existing homeowner or renter’s policy, or a separate earthquake policy you buy.

It provides coverage if your home is destroyed by an earthquake.

It's a separate endorsement you must buy and add to your homeowner or renter policy.
  • You can also buy a stand-alone policy separate from your homeowner policy.
  • It's usually sold with deductibles equaling 10 to 25 percent of the structure’s policy limit.
  • It only pays for damages that exceed the deductible.
  • There may be a separate deductible for contents, structure and unattached structures like garages, sheds, driveways, or retaining walls.
Generally, this coverage isn't available to buy for a period of time after an earthquake.

What it covers
  • Repairs to your home
  • Your personal property due to earthquake damage
  • The cost to remove debris
  • Extra living expense you might have while your home is repaired or rebuilt
What it might cover
  • Increased costs to meet current building codes and costs to stabilize the land under your home
  • Other structures not attached to your house
What it doesn't cover
  • Fire
  • Land
  • Vehicles
  • Pre-existing damage
  • External water damage
  • Damage due to:
  • Landslides
  • Settlements
  • Mudflows
  • Earth rising, sinking and contracting
What it might not cover
  • Floods
  • Tidal waves or tsunamis - even when caused by an earthquake
To see if you're covered or not for these types of damages listed above, talk to your agent or broker and be sure to read your policy.

What to expect from insurers
Some earthquake insurers may require an inspection of your property before they'll issue you a policy. They may even have different coverage requirements, such as:
  • The location of your home
  • Your home must be bolted to its foundation
  • The location and bracing of your home's interior walls
  • You must have strapping guards to secure fixtures, such as hot-water heaters
The last four are good advice, even if you choose not to purchase earthquake insurance. Bolting your home to its foundation and strapping guards for fixtures are relatively low cost compared to the cost of repairing damage caused by the lack of these precautions.

Talk to an agent and see what your options are.



Read more...

Earthquake - don't stand in a doorway - forget the "triangle" - here's what to do

Sunday, July 14, 2019

This week's earthquake was 4.6 magnitude. It struck at Three Lakes, Washington, in Snohomish county and shook much of our region. No significant impacts or damages have been reported within King County. There were a few aftershocks.


According to King County Emergency News:

When the earth shakes, know what to do: Drop, Cover, and Hold On!


Be informed, and tell others: Drop, Cover, and Hold On” is your best move to reduce injury and death during an earthquake in the United States.
  • DROP to the floor
  • Take COVER under a sturdy table, desk, or chair
  • HOLD ON until the shaking stops
Being ready for an earthquake includes practicing what you’ll do when the earth shakes so that a safe response becomes automatic. 

Residents and businesses are encouraged to participate in the annual Washington Great ShakeOut earthquake drill, which is will be held on October 17, 2019 at 10:17am.

Don’t be misled by the "triangle of life"

The “triangle of life” technique for surviving an earthquake incorrectly directs people to use “voids” or “empty spaces”. Methods like standing in a doorway, lying alongside furniture, or running outside are considered dangerous and are not recommended. 

Here’s why:
  • Many injuries from earthquakes are caused from people running around while the ground is shaking. They fall down, run into furniture, step on broken glass, or are hit by falling objects.
  • In and around older buildings especially, there is a much higher likelihood of broken windows, falling bricks, and other dangerous debris.
  • Despite the urge to flee, experts advise people to stay put – you are more protected indoors under a sturdy desk or table.
  • Earthquakes in the U.S. do not typically result in total building collapse (also known as “pancaking”) due to higher building construction standards.

Read more...

More things to worry about: Earthquake fault lines

Friday, July 12, 2019

Buildings in Seattle after the 1948
earthquake
Seattle Municipal Archives
By Diane Hettrick

Friday morning, July 12, 2019, at 2:52am, an earthquake, described as "rapid, harsh, and very loud" jolted some residents out of sleep.

It was felt all over Shoreline, but most people seem to have slept through it. I was awake and working at my computer at that time and didn't hear or feel a thing.

I've been through five or six earthquakes here. The big ones everybody feels. The little ones seem to depend on what kind of ground you are on.

I was sitting in my chair one evening, reading a book. 

Suddenly the ground under me felt like it abruptly slid sideways about three feet. 

That was it. I wasn't even sure if it really had happened, but my hanging plants were swinging back and forth. My daughter felt it. My husband was in the basement and didn't notice anything. 

And the neighbor across the street said - nope, didn't feel a thing.

For more things to worry about, The Seattle Times published an article about local fault lines and speculation from seismologists about when to expect "The Big One."

Friday earthquakes on a crustal fault show it’s not only the ‘Big One’ we should fear



Read more...

Cascadia Rising - what if all the water mains break?

Thursday, June 9, 2016

Filling containers from the emergency water distribution system

Photos by Steven H. Robinson

Cascadia Rising is a region wide disaster drill taking place this week in areas throughout western Washington and Oregon.

The team gathers for a debriefing after the exercise
CERT members are volunteers

In planning for a year, the scenario is the aftermath of a large magnitude Cascadia Subduction Zone fault earthquake and tsunami - one of the most complex disaster scenarios that emergency management and public safety officials could face in the Pacific Northwest.

In this scenario, everything is disrupted. No cell towers, phone lines, internet. There's no power, and the tsunami has flooded all the lowlands.

The movement of the earth has broken all the water mains and disrupted the sewage treatment plants.

Testing the system

Tuesday evening in Kenmore at Kenmore Junior High School, personnel from the Northshore Emergency Management Coalition (a partnership of the City of Kenmore, the City of Lake Forest Park, Northshore Fire District, and Northshore Utility District) ran an exercise to set up a simulation for the use of an emergency water distribution system.

Checking it out

Members of the volunteer CERT team were part of the exercise. These are local residents trained in basic emergency response who have volunteered to help their community during and after disasters.

The intent of the drill was to move the distribution hub as close to the damaged areas as possible to provide clean emergency water until repairs can be made to the regular systems.



Read more...

Learn how to make your home earthquake proof at free seminars

Tuesday, August 7, 2012


Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, and Kenmore residents are eligible to attend a free two-hour class in how to retrofit your home for an earthquake. The class is targeted for homes built before 1980. The classes are held in various Seattle libraries. Sign up by calling 206-223-5076 or sending an email.


Read more...

King County tests disaster response with regional earthquake exercise

Thursday, June 7, 2012

King County joined with federal, state, and local agencies this week to test its capacity to respond to and recover from a major earthquake. 

The exercise, dubbed “Evergreen Quake 2012,” gave participants a chance to assess their disaster response plans and emergency communication strategies. Six counties, including King County, participated in the drill, along with the state of Washington, more than 20 cities, several tribal nations, and numerous private sector partners. The exercise also included an international component as representatives from the Canadian province of British Columbia took part in the exercise.

“Exercises like this, where we simulate pushing our emergency systems to their limits, keep us ready to respond to a real, crippling quake – the kind for which we know we’re long overdue in this region,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine, who would oversee the County’s response in the event of disaster.

The role of the King County Office of Emergency Management is to coordinate and support the regional disaster response.

While public and private sector entities drill their emergency plans, it is also important for residents to make sure they are personally prepared to survive a disaster. 

Emergency management personnel throughout the region urge citizens to take emergency planning seriously and prepare their households to be self-sufficient for a minimum of three days for minor inconveniences, and for several weeks following a catastrophic event. 


This week’s exercise was just the first of a three-part series this summer. Next week, the region will conduct Part 2 of Evergreen Quake 2012 during a logistics exercise to validate the combined local, state, and federal capacity to manage relief supplies after a major disaster. The series concludes in August with a recovery exercise. That event will evaluate short-term recovery issues, including temporary housing, debris removal, individual and family assistance and return of business; as well as address long-term issues, such as community restoration, economic revitalization, and reconstruction of critical infrastructure.

The Evergreen Quake Exercise Series is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for exercise design; the National Emergency Managers Association (NEMA) for exercise support; and many in-kind contributions by participating local, tribal, state, and federal agencies.





Read more...

City of Shoreline to participate in Evergreen Earthquake Exercise Tuesday

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

On Tuesday, June 5, 2012, the City of Shoreline will participate in a multi-county earthquake exercise that will involve city, county, state, tribal and federal agencies. 

The exercise is designed to examine mid-phase response plans and Emergency Operation Center (EOC) operations following multiple catastrophic earthquakes. 

Six counties, over 20 cities, several tribes, numerous private sector partners, as well as state and federal agencies will participate. The exercise will not affect normal City operations.

Shoreline is committed to being prepared in the event of an emergency. Participating in regional exercises like the Evergreen Earthquake Exercise are essential for staff training and preparedness. Learn more about how you can prepare for an emergency.

Lake Forest Park and Kenmore are not part of this exercise.



Read more...

Vancouver earthquake: reminder to prepare

Friday, September 9, 2011

King County Executive Dow Constantine encourages citizens to be prepared

Many King County and West Coast residents felt the earth move under their feet Friday afternoon, September 9, 2011, the result of a preliminary magnitude 6.4 earthquake centered off Vancouver Island.

While the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports little damage and no threat of a tsunami, the event came just hours after King County Executive Dow Constantine issued a media release calling on all residents to make a personal commitment to prepare now for the unexpected.

There are many steps individuals and businesses can take to reduce the effects of a disaster, including:
  • making a family emergency plan,
  • assembling an emergency kit,
  • registering for public alert systems,
  • getting involved locally through volunteer groups such as the American Red Cross, Community Emergency Response Teams, and community-based organizations.

For more information, visit the King County web page 

September is National Preparedness Month


Read more...

Micro quake of 2.0 on Tuesday evening

Thursday, July 7, 2011

According to the computer that measures and records earthquakes, we had another micro quake at 9:52:00 PM (PDT) on Tuesday, July 5, 2011.

The magnitude 2.0 event occurred 2 km (1 miles) NE of Shoreline, WA. The hypocentral depth is 24 km (15 miles).

Shoreline is getting credit for these recent quakes because the measuring device is located on Caryle-Hall Road near Shoreline Community College.


Read more...

3.0 earthquake 2 km west of Shoreline

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

According to the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network, a minor earthquake occurred at 6:52:58 pm Tuesday, June 14, 2011. At magnitude 3.0, it is classified as an earthquake, although minor. The hypocentral depth is measured at 20 miles below the surface.

The quake center is listed as 2km or about 1 mile west of Shoreline.

The coordinates are 47 deg. 45.2 min. N (47.754N), 122 deg. 21.7 min. W (122.362W).

The PNSN site lists eight measurable movements below the surface of Puget Sound this month, including the two nearest the Shoreline measuring device. They range from Maple Valley to the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Did you feel it? If you felt the quake, the USGS would like you to report it here.

Read more...

Micro earthquake 18 miles below Shoreline

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Updated 6-6-2011 12:30pm

According to the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network, a micro earthquake occurred at 7:35:16 PM (PDT) on Sunday, June 5, 2011.

The magnitude 2.7 event occurred 2 km (1 miles) WNW of Shoreline, WA.

The hypocentral depth is 30 km (18 miles).

Did you feel it?  If you felt the quake, the USGS would like you to report it here.

Read more...

King County employees donated $287,000 to disaster victims in Japan and New Zealand

Friday, June 3, 2011

Pyne Gould Building, Christchurch, New Zealand
destroyed along with 180 downtown buildings in
February 2011 earthquake.  Photo by Gabriel.
From the office of the King County Executive

King County employees have once again demonstrated their giving spirit. During a recent campaign, 458 employees donated more than 8,100 hours of accrued leave to disaster victims in Japan and New Zealand. The leave was converted into a cash donation of $286,815 for the Red Cross. The money will be used for continuing earthquake and tsunami relief efforts.

“This outpouring of support for our neighbors across the Pacific is another example of the determination to make a difference,” said County Executive Dow Constantine. “I am so proud of King County employees for donating their hard-earned leave to help the people of Japan and New Zealand as they continue to recover from these tragic events.”

The leave donation program was authorized by Executive Constantine in March, shortly after a massive earthquake and resulting tsunami devastated Japan. Because that disaster followed so closely on the heels of an earthquake in New Zealand, King County opted to combine efforts and help the victims of both disasters.

A similar donation program was enacted by King County after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. After that disaster, 367 King County employees donated more than 5,500 hours of leave, resulting in a gift of nearly $200,000 to Global Impact, a federation of 55 international aid agencies that provided desperately needed humanitarian assistance to Haiti.

Read more...

Where were you during the Nisqually earthquake?

Sunday, March 27, 2011

by Diane Hettrick, Editor

What was your experience during the Nisqually earthquake and would the King County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) advice (Drop-Cover-Hold) have applied to your situation?

I was on the 4th floor of a downtown Seattle office building. It was built in 1910, only eight stories high and I figured it had weathered many earthquakes, so I wasn't worried about the building collapsing.  I was a little concerned about the Columbia Center falling on us.

However, finding a safe spot was a more immediate concern. Our office was blessed with a lot of large windows, many of which were breaking.

The office furniture was attacking. The top drawers of every desk all shot open. The top drawer of every file cabinet fully extended. I think some of them went in and out a couple of times. So crawling under a desk was not an option since I would have been whacked by the drawers or smacked by a file cabinet on the way. And I'm not sure that any office furniture qualifies as "sturdy."

I went immediately for a doorway, as I had been taught - wrongly, according to the OEM. Part-way through the quake, it occurred to me that the doorway I was bracing myself against was a flimsy partition wall for an interior office and wouldn't protect me against anything, but at least it was mid-point between the breaking windows and the attacking file drawers.

It was a good thing I didn't attempt to leave the building as the most damage was to the stairways at each end of the building.

Read more...
ShorelineAreaNews.com
Facebook: Shoreline Area News
Twitter: @ShorelineArea
Daily Email edition (don't forget to respond to the Follow.it email)

  © Blogger template The Professional Template II by Ourblogtemplates.com 2009

Back to TOP