Washington State Emergency Preparedness: Complete Disaster Guide

Washington State faces a unique combination of geological and environmental hazards. The Cascadia Subduction Zone threatens a catastrophic earthquake, active volcanoes including Mount Rainier present lahar dangers, and changing climate increases wildfire risk. From the Pacific coast to the Cascade Range to the dry eastern plateau, understanding your regional risks and preparing accordingly could be the difference between weathering a disaster and being overwhelmed by one.

Earthquake Preparedness

Washington experiences thousands of earthquakes annually—most too small to feel. However, three major fault systems pose significant risk: the Cascadia Subduction Zone, the Seattle Fault, and numerous crustal faults throughout the region.

Understanding the Cascadia Subduction Zone

The Cascadia Subduction Zone extends 700 miles from Northern California to British Columbia, where the Juan de Fuca plate slides beneath the North American plate. When it releases:

• Magnitude: 9.0 or greater—among the largest earthquakes possible
• Shaking duration: 3-5 minutes of violent shaking (compared to seconds in typical earthquakes)
• Affected area: Entire Pacific Northwest simultaneously
• Tsunamis: Coastal communities will face devastating waves
• Aftershocks: Weeks to months of continued seismic activity

The Seattle Fault

Running directly under Seattle, the Seattle Fault poses significant risk to the region's most populated area:

• Capable of magnitude 7.0+ earthquakes
• Last major event approximately 1,100 years ago
• Would cause intense local damage
• Could trigger landslides into Puget Sound, causing localized tsunamis

Drop, Cover, and Hold On

During an earthquake:

1. DROP to your hands and knees (prevents falling, allows movement)
2. COVER under sturdy furniture or against interior wall
3. HOLD ON to furniture until shaking stops

Common myths to avoid:

• ❌ Running outside (falling debris is more dangerous)
• ❌ Standing in doorways (not safer in modern construction)
• ❌ The "triangle of life" (debunked by experts)

After the Shaking Stops

• Expect aftershocks—repeat Drop, Cover, Hold On as needed
• Check yourself and others for injuries
• If on the coast and shaking was strong/prolonged, evacuate to high ground immediately
• Check for gas leaks, electrical damage, structural issues
• Don't use elevators
• Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 2 weeks

Two-Week Emergency Kit

Washington Emergency Management recommends supplies for at least 2 weeks. After a Cascadia event, infrastructure damage will be catastrophic:

• Water: 1 gallon per person per day × 14 days minimum
• Food: Non-perishable, no-cook options for 14 days
• Medications: 2-week supply of prescriptions
• First aid kit: Comprehensive, including trauma supplies
• Flashlights and batteries: Multiple per household
• Radio: Battery or crank-powered
• Cash: ATMs won't work; banks may be closed
• Tools: Wrench to turn off gas, crowbar, work gloves
• Sanitation: Toilet paper, garbage bags, bucket

Volcanic Hazards

Washington is home to five active volcanoes: Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, Mount Baker, Glacier Peak, and Mount Adams. The USGS considers Mount Rainier one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the United States.

Mount Rainier: The Lahar Threat

Mount Rainier's primary danger isn't lava—it's lahars (volcanic mudflows). These fast-moving mixtures of volcanic debris, rock, and water can:

• Travel at highway speeds (30-50+ mph)
• Reach populated valleys within 30-60 minutes
• Occur with or without an eruption
• Fill river valleys to depths of 100+ feet
• Destroy everything in their path

At-risk areas: Puyallup Valley (including Orting, Sumner, Puyallup, Fife), Carbon River Valley, White River Valley, Nisqually River Valley.

Lahar Warning System

The Lahar Warning System monitors Mount Rainier and activates sirens in at-risk communities:

• Know the siren sound and what it means
• If you hear the lahar siren: evacuate immediately to high ground
• Move perpendicular to the valley floor, not downstream
• Don't wait for confirmation—seconds count

Volcanic Ash

Eruptions produce ash that can affect areas hundreds of miles away:

• Respiratory hazard: Use N95 masks, stay indoors
• Eye protection: Goggles prevent irritation
• Vehicle damage: Ash clogs engines and filters
• Roof loading: Wet ash is heavy; clear carefully
• Water contamination: Cover water collection systems

Tsunami Preparedness (Coastal Areas)

Washington's Pacific coast faces significant tsunami risk from both distant and local sources.

Tsunami Sources

Distant tsunamis: Generated by earthquakes in Alaska, Japan, or South America. Warning time: hours. Official alerts will be issued.

Local tsunamis (Cascadia): Generated by Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquakes. Warning time: 15-30 minutes maximum. The earthquake IS your warning—don't wait for sirens.

Natural Warning Signs

• Strong earthquake lasting over 20 seconds
• Unusual ocean behavior (rapid rise or fall)
• Ocean sounding like a roaring train
• Water receding dramatically from shore

Tsunami Safety Rules

1. If you feel strong, prolonged shaking on the coast: evacuate immediately after shaking stops
2. Move to high ground (100+ feet elevation) or 2+ miles inland
3. Go on foot if possible—traffic jams kill
4. Don't return until authorities give all-clear
5. Know your evacuation routes ahead of time

Wildfire Preparedness

Wildfires are an increasing threat throughout Washington, particularly in Eastern Washington, the Cascades, and the wildland-urban interface around Puget Sound communities.

Wildfire Season

Peak season runs June through October, with August and September typically most dangerous. Climate change is extending the fire season and increasing fire intensity.

Creating Defensible Space

• Zone 1 (0-30 feet): Remove dead plants, clean gutters, use fire-resistant landscaping
• Zone 2 (30-100 feet): Create spacing between trees and shrubs, remove ladder fuels
• Zone 3 (100-200 feet): Thin trees, remove dead vegetation

Air Quality During Fires

Smoke from wildfires affects air quality across Washington, including areas far from active fires:

• Monitor air quality at airnow.gov
• Stay indoors when air quality is unhealthy
• Use N95 masks if you must go outside
• Run HVAC with filters; use portable air purifiers
• Create a clean room with filtered air

Evacuation Readiness

Know the evacuation levels:

• Level 1 (Ready): Be aware, prepare to leave
• Level 2 (Set): Be packed and ready to leave immediately
• Level 3 (Go): Leave immediately

Flooding and Landslides

Washington's wet climate and steep terrain create significant flood and landslide risks.

River Flooding

Atmospheric rivers (concentrated moisture from the Pacific) can dump enormous rainfall, causing rapid river rise. Major flood-prone rivers include the Skagit, Snoqualmie, Snohomish, Chehalis, and Columbia.

Urban Flooding

Seattle and other cities experience flooding from intense rainfall overwhelming drainage systems. King tides and storm surge add coastal flooding risk.

Landslides

Washington's steep, saturated slopes are prone to landslides. The 2014 Oso landslide killed 43 people. Be aware of:

• Steep slopes near your home
• Signs of previous slides
• Unusual sounds (rumbling, cracking)
• New cracks in pavement or foundations
• Tilting trees or fences

Regional Preparedness Priorities

Puget Sound (Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue)

• Primary threats: Earthquakes (Cascadia, Seattle Fault), lahars (Tacoma area), flooding, winter storms
• Earthquake preparedness essential—secure furniture, know safe spots
• Two weeks minimum supplies (infrastructure will be devastated)
• Know lahar evacuation routes if in river valleys
• Urban flooding awareness

Olympic Peninsula and Coast

• Primary threats: Tsunamis, earthquakes, flooding, winter storms
• Tsunami evacuation routes must be memorized
• Extended self-sufficiency (remote, limited infrastructure)
• Strong earthquake = immediate evacuation to high ground

Cascade Mountains

• Primary threats: Volcanic hazards, wildfires, avalanches, flooding
• Know proximity to volcanic hazard zones
• Wildfire defensible space
• Winter travel preparedness

Eastern Washington (Spokane, Tri-Cities)

• Primary threats: Wildfires, extreme heat, winter storms, earthquakes
• Wildfire preparedness critical
• Air quality awareness during fire season
• Extreme temperature preparedness (hot summers, cold winters)
• Earthquake risk exists (though lower than Puget Sound)

Washington Emergency Resources

State Resources

• Washington Emergency Management: mil.wa.gov/emergency-management
• DNR Fire Information: dnr.wa.gov/wildfires
• WSDOT Traffic: wsdot.com/traffic
• Air Quality: enviwa.ecology.wa.gov

Emergency Alerts

• Alert Seattle: alert.seattle.gov
• AHAB (All Hazards Alert Broadcast): Lahar warning sirens
• Wireless Emergency Alerts: Enable on your phone
• NOAA Weather Radio: Essential backup

Emergency Contacts

• Emergency: 911
• Washington Poison Center: 1-800-222-1222
• Seattle City Light Outages: 1-206-684-3000
• Puget Sound Energy: 1-888-225-5773

Build Your Washington Emergency Kit

Washington's unique combination of hazards requires comprehensive preparation. Two weeks of supplies is the minimum recommendation for Cascadia preparedness:

• Water Storage Calculator – Calculate 14+ days of water
• Food Storage Calculator – Plan extended food supplies
• Power Runtime Calculator – Size backup power
• Emergency Kit Calculator – Build comprehensive kit

Living in Washington means accepting certain geological realities. The Cascadia Subduction Zone will rupture—the question is when, not if. Preparation isn't paranoia; it's the responsible response to living in one of the most geologically dynamic regions on Earth.