Earthquake Preparedness: Protect Your Home from Earthquakes in Seattle

Across a field at South Seattle College, volunteers in bright safety vests set up tall antennas, connected by wires like clotheslines. Solar panels powered the radios and receivers spread out across the field and parking lot.

It was Seattle Radio Field Day, a 24-hour event where radio enthusiasts connected with others worldwide, learned about ham radio, and practiced emergency communication techniques.

Elsewhere in the city, metal boxes filled with communication and safety equipment, first aid supplies, and instructions for obtaining water and food are stationed at key neighborhood locations like parks.

While the idea of a natural disaster in their city is concerning for many, some Seattleites know exactly what to do. Members of the Seattle Emergency Hubs, a volunteer group that educates the public about emergency preparedness, would head to their nearest hub—a designated meeting place for community members during a disaster.

Amateur radio operators and the Seattle Auxiliary Communications Service would get on air to connect different parts of the city and relay information to the Seattle Office of Emergency Management.

For these volunteers, preparing for emergencies is a significant part of their lives. They aim to educate and assist others in getting ready for major natural disasters, whenever they may occur.

Understanding the Risks

These groups are readying themselves for the aftermath of potential natural disasters like earthquakes. The threat is substantial: The Cascadia Subduction Zone off the coast and several faults, including the Seattle Fault, pose significant risks. Seismologists estimate a 14% chance of a 9.0 magnitude earthquake hitting the Pacific Northwest Coast within the next 50 years.

While the region experiences seismic activity regularly, it is often too minor to be felt. The Pacific Northwest Seismic Network recently recorded a 0.7 magnitude event near Kirkland on June 26.

Community Collaboration

The Seattle Emergency Hubs formed in 2007 following a major windstorm that downed power lines. The event led to neighbors meeting on street corners to share information and resources.

There are 70 hubs throughout Seattle, serving as gathering points. If an earthquake isolates parts of the city, whatever resources are available will have to suffice.

The group, led by volunteers and hub captains, also educates the public about disaster preparedness through meetings, radio check-ins, and drills.

One hub captain emphasized the importance of knowing your neighbors before a disaster, as they will be your primary support afterward. Having lived in California, she noted that people there are more aware of earthquake risks due to more frequent events. She joined the organization to raise awareness in her Seattle neighborhood.

She stressed that anyone can contribute to the hub, regardless of their background, and that diverse skills are essential for helping people after a major disaster.

The organization's goal is to foster community connections and resource sharing.

Radio Communications

In late June, South Seattle College’s parking lot was filled with RVs and campers as local radio groups conducted a round-the-clock training exercise.

Volunteers from Cascadia Radio, Puget Sound Repeater Group, West Seattle Amateur Radio Club, and Seattle Auxiliary Communications Service participated. They used Morse code and computers to monitor radio frequencies from around the world.

This volunteer-based communications service includes about 150 licensed amateur radio operators and registered state emergency workers, working with the Office of Emergency Management to ensure communication links between the city and its communities.

During Radio Field Day, many brought their own gear and demonstrated systems that don’t require the internet to send and receive messages via radio. These portable setups can operate from various locations, providing crucial communication capabilities in the event of a disaster.