Remember the world's greatest natural disaster – the Boxing Day earthquake and tsunami

Voice of the North, December. 26: December 26, Christmas Day, marks the 20th anniversary of the world's largest natural disaster, the Sumatra earthquake. This massive 9.1 magnitude earthquake in the eastern Indian Ocean triggered a massive tsunami that swept the shores of the Indian Ocean nation, killing nearly a quarter of a million people.

Twenty years later, this disaster remains a reminder of the extent of preparedness for earthquakes and tsunamis in our region. Earthquakes are not 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 seismic fault lines throughout Washington that have historically generated large tremors approximately 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. The latter has the potential to cause a magnitude 7 earthquake, and given that it will be fairly shallow or near the surface, shaking will be evident in the North Sound.

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.

An earthquake can happen at any moment, and it can happen while sleeping, at home, at work, at school, or even while walking on the road. It's important to be prepared for an earthquake no matter where you are. Visit Ready.gov/earthquakes to learn more about how to be better prepared in advance.

One key to earthquake preparedness is having a family communications 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 prepare 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 for your home, car, workplace and at school.

Items in the home can fall and injure people, not to mention cause damage. 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 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.

The 2012 film The Impossible provides a good 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 helped serve as a stark reminder of the need for earthquake and tsunami preparedness in this region as a community.

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