Prepare for the “big one”

The ground starts shaking under your feet, your glasses start clinking, and your breakfast falls to the floor. Residents of the Pacific Northwest may experience this one day when the movie “The Real Big One” comes out.

The Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquake, also known as the “Big Earthquake,” is a magnitude greater than 7.1 earthquake that has a 37% chance of occurring in the next 50 years.

The earthquake will likely affect the Pacific coast from Vancouver, British Columbia, down to Northern California, and is estimated to cause $37 billion in damage to the Portland metropolitan area.

Environmental studies professor Callie Appel poses for a headshot.

Environmental Studies Professor Callie Appel focuses on the Cascadia earthquake in her science classes, but especially in ENV 110, “Earth Systems Science,” and ENV 111, “Natural Hazards in the Pacific Northwest.” Abel places special emphasis on informing students about the Cascadia earthquake and why it's worth preparing for.

In her 100-level classes, Abel discusses all things tectonic. This means understanding earthquakes, volcanoes, and plate interactions that cause earthquakes. Abel explains that our planet is covered in tectonic plates, which are constantly interacting with each other. As they push each other, the tension begins to rise.

An earthquake occurs when one plate finally moves under the pressure of the other plate. Japan is located in the Ring of Fire, and is particularly vulnerable to earthquakes because the plates in the region move often.

But the Cascadia subduction zone has not produced an earthquake since 1700. This means that stress has built up over 300 years.

Abel provides this information to her students to encourage them to develop an earthquake plan and kit.

In class, Appel asks her students to make a list of everything they might need in an emergency. In the event of an earthquake, something as simple as dissolving a connection can make or break someone's safety, according to Appel.

“The idea is to get the things you need…in the absence of available help,” Appel said. “That's anything from getting water… [to] The presence of non-perishable food items. … It's the realization that your cell phone probably won't work, so you have to have a list of phone numbers [you may need]”.

Abel recommends a flashlight, first aid kit, warm clothes, and necessary medications.

Illustration by Nandita Kumar.

Although the purpose of this collection is largely focused on the practical, Appel recognizes the importance of small lighthouses amid disasters. Having a way to keep yourself or your family occupied while you wait for support can help relieve stress and pressure.

So, do you have a spare deck of cards or a Rubik's Cube? Throw that in your earthquake collection as well.

For Abel, a seismic plan is as important as a briefcase. If you have loved ones spread throughout your city, discuss a good meeting point. Have a conversation about where to meet and what your plan will look like after an earthquake.

If done well, a go bag and plan can save lives. For Abel, this conversation is about more than just preparation.

“Too often we see the physical land around us as stagnant, but constantly changing, constantly shaping the way we live our lives,” Appel said.

To learn more about what to add to your earthquake toolkit, visit Build A Kit.

Nandita Kumar is a reporter for The Beacon. She can be reached at [email protected].

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