In the summer of 2015, news of the likelihood of a catastrophic earthquake in the Pacific Northwest leapt into the headlines. Recent disasters in Chile, New Zealand and Japan reinforced the need for readiness. But since then, what have we done to prepare? Do we know more about how to protect our buildings, roads, utility lines and other critical infrastructure? Are any spaces within damaged buildings likely to remain habitable after the quake? How are emergency responders planning for the aftershocks of a subduction zone shake-up?
At the City Club of Corvallis meeting on March 14, a panel of speakers will discuss a survey of structures, plans for retrofits and coordination among emergency services. Come and learn how citizens, researchers and local agencies are working together to address the challenges to the mid-valley.
Among the speakers will be:
- Warren Lisser of Cascadia Seismic Strategies, Inc., a newly formed nonprofit organization
- Andre Barbosa, Oregon State University civil engineer who led a recent survey of Corvallis buildings
- Dan Cox, director of the Cascadia Lifelines Program, an OSU research program focused on utility pipelines, road systems and other networks
- Kevin Higgins, director of Benton County Emergency Services
- Jaimi Glass, planner with the City of Corvallis and Benton County
Doors will open at 11:30 at the Boys & Girls Club, 1112 NW Circle. The meeting is free and open to the public, and there will be plenty of time for the audience to ask questions. It will begin at 12 noon and conclude by 1:15. A catered lunch (house-made chicken pot pie, vegetable relish tray from Valley Catering) is $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers. To reserve lunch, send email to info@cityclubofcorvallis.org by Friday, March 10. You can also pay for lunch online with your credit card.
For a thorough analysis of earthquake preparedness in the Portland metro region, read the report from the Portland City Club, which was approved by members March 2.
Listen to a podcast of this session on SoundCloud.
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For tips on how to prepare an emergency kit and meet special needs after disasters from floods to wind storms, see these resources, courtesy of Oliver Lambert.
Infographic: Disaster preparedness essentials
https://www.angieslist.com/articles/infographic-disaster-preparedness-essentials.htm
Get ready for a major quake. What to do before — and during — a big one
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-how-prepare-earthquake-snap-htmlstory.html
Home Emergency & Disaster Safety
https://www.improvenet.com/a/home-emergency-disaster-safety
Apartment Rental Earthquake Preparedness
http://blog.gardencommunitiesca.com/2016/01/15/apartment-rental-earthquake-preparedness/
10 Earthquake Safety Tips for Parents
https://www.savethechildren.org/us/what-we-do/us-programs/disaster-relief-in-america/earthquake-tips
Disaster Safety for People with Disabilities: What to Do When Emergency Weather Strikes
https://www.redfin.com/blog/disaster-safety-for-people-with-disabilities
Teaching emergency preparedness in the classroom
https://beprepared.com/teach-emergency-preparedness-in-the-classroom