State of Oregon Unveils New Cascadia Earthquake, Tsunami Playbook
Cascadia Playbook will allow Oregon agencies, partners to synchronize response during disaster.
(WARRENTON, Ore. ) — Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber joined Maj. Gen. Daniel Hokanson, Oregon's Adjutant General, at Camp Rilea this week to highlight the new Cascadia Playbook, a guide Oregon will use to synchronize response efforts in the event of a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake and tsunami.
The Cascadia Playbook, developed under the Governor's direction, was created by the Oregon Military Department's Office of Emergency Management. The Office of Emergency Management will periodically update the Playbook as it continues to work with state agencies, non-governmental agencies, and the private sector to prepare for a Cascadia Subduction Zone event.
"I think we all know that it is impossible to prevent an earthquake or tsunami, but we can and must prepare," Governor Kitzhaber said. "In doing so, it gives us the opportunity to harness yet another power, that is the power of individuals and the power of communities." The Governor added that partnership and collaboration were key in disaster planning.
The Governor toured Clatsop County's Emergency Operations Center and tested the county's amateur radio system.
The facility, completed in fall 2013, serves as a site for local, state, and federal agencies to coordinate efforts during natural disasters and emergencies. During the tour, the Governor also signed a proclamation recognizing September as National Preparedness Month.
A Cascadia event is based on the threat of a catastrophic magnitude 9.0 Subduction Zone earthquake and resultant tsunami.
Coastal communities could experience a devastating tsunami on top of severe ground shake. Shaking intensity will be less along the Interstate-5 corridor, where most Oregonians live, and Southern Oregon.
However, older buildings and critical infrastructure in those areas may still incur extensive damage.
Source: Oregon Office of Emergency Management
