The Boxing Day earthquake is a reminder to prepare

December 26, Christmas Day, marks the 20th anniversary of one of the world's most significant natural disasters, the Sumatra earthquake. A massive 9.1-magnitude earthquake that struck the eastern Indian Ocean triggered a massive tsunami that swept the shores of Indian Ocean countries, killing nearly 250,000 people.

Twenty years later, this disaster is a reminder of how prepared Western Washington is for earthquakes and tsunamis. Earthquakes are no notice events. Unlike large hazardous weather events that require advance notice, earthquakes can occur at any moment. Washington state is the second most earthquake-prone state in the United States after California.

There are a number of earthquake faults throughout Washington that have historically caused large tremors every 30 to 50 years. In the Puget Sound region, the last major earthquake was the magnitude 6.8 Nisqually earthquake on February 28, 2001.

Local seismic faults include the Tacoma Fault, Seattle Fault, and South Whidbey Fault. Each of these local faults has the potential to produce an earthquake of magnitude 7 or greater.

However, the greatest or major earthquake threat comes from the Cascadia subduction zone about 100 miles offshore. This subduction zone is very similar to the Sumatra earthquake zone. The last Cascadia earthquake was estimated to have a magnitude of 9.0 and occurred in January 1700, triggering a large-scale tsunami in the Pacific Ocean. The history of this subduction zone shows that it generates such an earthquake and tsunami approximately every 300 to 500 years, researchers say.

Latest shock: An earthquake hits northern California near the Oregon border

Destroyed houses are seen in this aerial photograph of the city of Meulabuh in Aceh Province, Indonesia, on Saturday, January 1, 2005. Tsunami waves had flattened the area several days earlier. (File photo: Dodi Anong, AP)

Steps that can be taken to prepare for an earthquake

Earthquakes can happen at any moment, at home, work, school or even while on the road. It's important to be prepared for an earthquake no matter where you are.

One key to earthquake preparedness is having a family communication plan that includes an out-of-state contact. This feature allows each family member, regardless of where they are when the earthquake strikes, to contact someone from outside the area to collect all the information about each person's condition.

Keep in mind that a large earthquake will very likely disable power and telephone systems including the Internet. It is important to determine a meeting place if each family member is separated when the earthquake occurs.

Also gather several supply kits that include plenty of food and water for at least several days, flashlights with extra batteries, a fire extinguisher, a whistle, money, an adequate supply of necessary medications, a first aid kit and many other items. These supply kits can be placed in homes, cars, workplaces and schools.

Items in the home can fall, causing damage and injuring people. Use seismic putty for wall hangings and valuables in cabinets. Secure heavy items such as bookcases, water heaters, and televisions. Store heavy and breakable items on low shelves.

A third of people's lives are spent in bed. If an earthquake occurs while you are in bed, turn face down and cover your head with a pillow. Keep a few easily accessible items under the bed such as hard-soled shoes, a light stick, leather gloves, a hard hat, and a flashlight. Most injuries after an earthquake occur when you get out of bed barefoot and step on broken glass.

The annual Great Shakeout in October is an opportunity to practice landing, covering and holding under a sturdy table or desk. If an earthquake occurs during waking hours at home, work, or school, this is a good time to lie down, cover yourself, and hold still until the shaking stops.

If driving during an earthquake, stop and stop. Avoid bridges or overpasses if possible. Set your parking brake.

If you are outside, stay outside and away from buildings. If you are indoors, avoid running outdoors as this may result in falling debris. Again, drop, cover and secure under a sturdy desk or table. Tsunamis occur following major undersea earthquakes such as the Sumatra event 20 years ago. If you are in low-lying coastal areas, move to higher ground as soon as the shaking ends. Too many in the Indian Ocean region have failed to do precisely this.

Another valuable source of information: Visit Ready.gov/earthquakes to learn more about how to best prepare in advance.

The 2012 film The Impossible, starring Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor and Tom Holland, provides a look at that tragic tsunami, and the issues that arose in its wake including family separation, injuries and more. This movie is worth watching to help learn about steps your family can take to better prepare in advance.

Like many earthquake zones around the world, it's not a question of whether an earthquake will happen or not, it's a question of when it will happen, and whether you are prepared for it in advance. The Sumatra earthquake and tsunami that occurred 20 years ago helps serve as a stark reminder of the need for earthquake and tsunami preparedness in this region as a community.

Ted Boehner is KIRO Newsradio's meteorologist. You can read more of Ted's stories here and follow him on X.

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