Earthquakes (Seattle, Pacific, Rainier: earthquake, live, store)

[PG77]

Anyone know what the likelihood of a earthquake is in the Seattle area? Probably far less than the hurricanes in Florida where I am moving from?

[PNW-type-gal]

Originally Posted by PG77

Anyone know what the likelihood of a earthquake is in the Seattle area? Probably far less than the hurricanes in Florida where I am moving from?

Well, there are earthquakes and then there are earthquakes. On the west coast there are scattered small earthquakes, unfelt by anyone, on a daily basis. They're pretty much nothing and mean nothing (except to remind us this is an active area).

There is the possibility of larger events, from the kind you can feel to the kind that cause damage (primary or secondary). The odds are reasonably good that there will be a largish earthquake within the next 50 years or so. What the definition of "largish" is, and how likely it is to cause damage, is a guess at best.


you can see a lot of information here:

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/regional/...hp?regionID=47

It's mostly something you do general common-sense stuff to deal with the potential of: secure top-heavy furniture, don't keep a ton of little glass ornaments high up on shelves, know where the gas shut off is. A lot of the precautions are very similar to any area that has major storms (keeping a small store of water, food, flashlights).

[PG77]

ok, thanks for the information

[scirocco22]

We also discussed it here:

http://www.city-data.com/forum/seatt...rthquakes.html


...don't let it scare ya though.


Thanks.

--'rocco

[jojo7]

I think you need to be okay with the fact that it could happen. Before I moved to Washington I asked my husband if Washington gets earthquakes like California and he assured me they don't and that the last earthquake was over 40 years ago in Washington. Well, after we moved, about three months later, wouldn't you know we get a 7.0 earthquake. Scared the crap out of me especially since I never experienced a earthquake before. I hope it never happens again but you never know.

[AZ_singlemother]

I was in that in one of the highrise buildings in Seattle. They say Washington state hardly gets earthquakes - they are wrong.

[Mark S.]

Originally Posted by PG77

Anyone know what the likelihood of a earthquake is in the Seattle area? Probably far less than the hurricanes in Florida where I am moving from?

Likelihood of an earthquake in the Pacific NW is extreme. Add to that: Mt. Rainier is considered one of the most potentially deadly volcanoes on the planet.

We were here for the big earthquake several years ago. Not fun. Our daughter is still traumatized by it.

The BIG difference between hurricanes and earthquakes: You can see hurricanes coming and get out of the way in time. Personally, I would take the hurricanes over the earthquakes any day.

[PG77]

Thanks for all the information. But it looks like there is no turning back for me The job situation here in Florida is not good at all much less the lack of health care benefits the employers provide, so I guess I will just have to take my chances on that earthquake, my flight is already booked

[jwb123]

They say Washington state hardly gets earthquakes - they are wrong.

Who is "they"? I have never heard that. In fact, it's widely known as the opposite. Your "they" must be different from the generally known "they".

Saying that, on the flip side, I lived there near 10 years and only felt one.

... always was worried about "The Big One" though. It's definitely a real concern, and you should be prepared - however, it's not something that should consume and dictate your life.

I agree, on the positive side with a hurricane, you know it's path and when it's coming. With an earthquake, there is no warning or control. Once it's happening, you are stuck riding it out.

Move to Seattle, but learn about earthquake preparedness and have a kit ready.

[PNW-type-gal]

Originally Posted by Mark S.

Likelihood of an earthquake in the Pacific NW is extreme. Add to that: Mt. Rainier is considered one of the most potentially deadly volcanoes on the planet.

The danger from Mt Rainier is more related to the potential of post-quake earth movement (or even non-earthquake-related earth movement) - mudflows and landslides, similar to the Electron Flow.

Yes, the Pacific Northwest has earthquakes, and yes, they happen frequently, although the vast majority are too small to be felt. The question is - what type of event will it be? The "big quake" talk generally centers on the potential for a large-scale event (possibly up to a 9.0) caused by slippage at the subduction zones between the Pacific and North American plates. There are a number of faults in the northwest, as there is a generally northwest-trending fault zone that runs through the entire Oregon-Washington- British Columbia area. It's a different type of fault than the San Andreas.

Here's a short article from the USGS, specifically on Seattle-area hazards.

http://geomaps.wr.usgs.gov/pacnw/lif...eqhazards.html

For myself - I am a geologist; it's what my degrees are in. I've lived most of my life in Earthquake Country, be it Oregon or Washington or California. I accept the potential risk for a very large event by doing a bit of preparation. I expect small-scale events. But I wouldn't live anywhere else.