What we’ve learned and what we need to do – KIRO 7 News Seattle

SEATTLE – Washington state marks the 25th anniversary of the Nisqually earthquake this week, highlighting a quarter-century of seismic safety improvements along with significant risks remaining in infrastructure.

A 6.8-magnitude earthquake occurred on February 28, 2001, causing hundreds of injuries and billions of dollars in damage throughout the region.

The Nisqually earthquake remains the costliest earthquake to occur in the United States in the past 30 years, according to Brian Terbush, director of the Earthquakes and Volcanoes Program at the Washington Department of Emergency Management.

In the decades since the 45-second event, the state has implemented mandatory school drills and classified buildings at risk, although experts warn that hundreds of unreinforced building structures still require expensive retrofits to meet modern safety standards.

Since 2001, safety improvements have included new requirements for school children to participate in “drop, cover and hold” drills. These trainings are enhanced by “The Great Shake,” an annual event designed to prepare the next generation for seismic activity. Experts pointed out that these exercises aim to ensure that the correct response becomes a standard reaction for students.

While many buildings have been upgraded, hundreds of the state’s most vulnerable buildings remain standing. These facilities, known as unreinforced masonry buildings, are usually built of brick without rebar.

Harold Tobin, director of the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network, identified these specific buildings as a primary safety concern.

“These are buildings that can kill people,” Tobin said.

The city of Seattle has begun cataloging buildings at risk to track structures in need of retrofitting. Currently, the city does not have a mandate requiring private landowners to complete these improvements.

The financial cost of retrofitting remains a barrier for many building owners.

Ryan Vitlassell, owner of Seattle Seismic, explained to KIRO 7 in 2024 that the price of upgrades varies depending on the size and type of building.

“A small building, a few hundred thousand dollars, and a four or five-story apartment building. Definitely more than a million dollars,” Vitlacil said at the time.

Seattle has applied for federal funds to help support property owners who need financial assistance for these projects.

Individual preparedness is also a focus of safety experts, who recommend residents keep emergency packs around in case of power outages or road closures.

©2026 Cox Media Group

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