NO CAPTION NECESSARY. Map shows epicenters for earthquakes greater than 3.0 magnitude between 1969 and 2021. (Chuck Taylor / The Herald) 20210509

Life or death: Be prepared for a major earthquake

Resources to help get you, your family and home ready.

Resources abound to get you, your family and home ready for a major earthquake.

• You should have two weeks of food and water stored, along with a way to stay warm.

• Identify large furniture that may tip over in a quake and secure it.

• Make sure your water heater is fastened to the wall and has flexible gas and water connectors.

• If you live in an older home, consider securing your foundation.

• Know how to shut off your natural gas valves.

These simple tasks could mean life or death during and after a major earthquake. Visit the Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management website for a guide on gathering supplies, creating a communication plan, preparing your pets, keeping important documents on hand, maintaining light and heat, and preventing natural gas fires.

 

Where to learn more

More about quakes in the region (Snohomish County Hazard Mitigation Planning)

Personal and neighborhood disaster preparedness (Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management)

Real-time event monitoring (Pacific Northwest Seismic Network)

Before, during and after earthquakes (Ready.gov)

Earthquakes overview and resources (U.S. Geological Survey)

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