Statewide earthquake drill to test our readiness for when Big One hits

Tectonic plates move slow and seemingly without consequence. When they slip, which is often, the seismic events are rarely felt. When the shift releases a lot of energy, as in 2001’s Nisqually quake, it can be destructive and deadly.

“It’s not a matter of if, but a matter of when,” said Mark Murphy, emergency programs manager for Snohomish County. “Emergencies are inevitable, and we do live in earthquake country.”

At 10:16 a.m., 90,000 people in Snohomish County will participate in The Great Washington ShakeOut, a statewide earthquake drill to test the preparedness of emergency management services and to educate people on how to prepare for disaster.

Washington is at a higher risk of suffering an earthquake because of the Pacific-North American Plate Boundary, which runs along the western coast of the continent.

During the drill, participating businesses and government agencies will test their emergency alert systems. On Whidbey Island, the tsunami warning system will be tested as part of the drill.

Participants in Snohomish County will be practicing the drop and cover technique, and reviewing information about how to be prepared.

People can’t keep earthquakes and other natural disasters from happening, but can always be better prepared, Murphy said.

Simple steps include anchoring furniture to walls, including bookshelves and cabinets, which can fall over.

“It’s also important to think about power and utilities, which are often affected by earthquakes. If there is no power, and all you have is an electric can opener, how will you open canned food?” Murphy said.

Know your house utilities. If there is a gasline break, know how to shut it off or contain it. The same for water lines, he said.

Another key step for home preparation is to have a simple emergency kit. Inside should be drinking water, canned food, flashlights and batteries, multi-use tools, blankets, clothes, and a battery-operated radio.

Keep another emergency kit in your vehicle. Disasters often affect travel. Think accidents, snow storms, the Skagit River Bridge collapse, even the Oso mudslide. Becoming stranded along a highway is a possibility, he said.

And know alternate routes to and from your home in the event of emergency road closures.

“You can’t prepare for everything, but these basic preparations will get you through most situations,” he said.

Andrew Gobin: 425-339-3000, ext. 5461; agobin@heraldnet.com.

Learn more

For more information about how to prepare your home or business for an emergency, go to www.snodem.org and click on the preparedness tab. For more information on The Great Washington ShakeOut, go to www.shakeout.org/washington.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Employees and patrons of the Everett Mall signed a timeline mural that traces the history of the 51-year-old indoor mall that was once considered the premier place to go shopping in the city. Thursday, March 20, 2025 (Aaron Kennedy / The Herald)
Mall mural offers nostalgic trip into the past

Past and present Everett Mall employees joined customers Thursday to view an artistic timeline of the once popular shopping mecca.

Edmonds Mayor Mike Rosen gives his State of the City address on Thursday, March 20 in Edmonds, Washington. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
Edmonds mayor talks budget at 2025 State of the City

Mayor Mike Rosen discussed the city’s deficit and highlights from his first year in office.

Richie Gabriel, 1, jumps off the bottom of the slide as Matthew Gabriel looks down at him from the play structure at Hummingbird Hill Park on Monday, March 31, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds residents show up for Hummingbird Hill Park, Frances Anderson Center

After a two-and-a-half hour public comment session, the council tabled its votes for the two comprehensive plan amendments.

Students Haddie Shorb, 9, left, and brother Elden Shorb, 11, right, lead the ground breaking at Jackson Elementary School on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett district breaks ground on Jackson Elementary replacement

The $54 million project will completely replace the aging elementary school. Students are set to move in by the 2026-27 school year.

Logo for news use featuring Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Another positive measles case identified in Snohomish County

The case was identified in an infant who likely contracted measles while traveling, the county health department said.

A Tesla drives along 41st Street on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Washington faces uncertain future of Clean Air Act regulations

The Trump administration’s attempt to roll back numerous vehicle pollution standards has left states wondering what’s next.

A person walks through the lot at Kia of Everett shopping for a car on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘The tariffs made me do it’: Customers move fast on cars

At one Everett dealership, customers move fast on cars ahead of Wednesday’s expected announcement on tariffs.

Public’s help needed to find missing Arlington man

The 21-year-old left the house Sunday night without his shoes, cell phone or a jacket, and was reported missing the following morning.

Will Geschke / The Herald
The Marysville Tulalip Campus on the Tulalip Reservation, where Legacy High School is located.
Marysville board votes to keep Legacy High at current location

The move rolls back a decision the school board made in January to move the alternative high school at the start of next school year.

The former Marysville City Hall building along State Avenue on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 in Marysville, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
City of Marysville, school board amend property exchange

The city will relocate its public works facility to the district’s current headquarters, which will move to the former City Hall.

Snohomish County Elections employees Alice Salcido, left and Joseph Rzeckowski, right, pull full bins of ballots from the Snohomish County Campus ballot drop box on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
County to mail ballots for Edmonds, Brier elections

Registered voters should receive their ballots by April 9 for the April 22 special election.

A stormwater diversion structure which has been given a notice for repairs along a section of the Perrinville Creek north of Stamm Overlook Park that flows into Browns Bay in Edmonds, Washington on Thursday, July 18, 2024. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Edmonds Hearing Examiner decides on Perrinville Creek saga

The examiner revoked the city’s Determination of Non-Significance, forcing Edmonds to address infrastructure issues on the creek

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.