Medford, OR – Today, Oregon state agencies issued a reminder to residents and visitors along the coast about the importance of earthquake and tsunami preparedness, following a significant seismic event off the coast of California. At 10:44 a.m. local time, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck offshore, 56 miles west of Petrolia, California. The quake triggered a tsunami warning just five minutes later, extending from the California coast north to the Douglas/Lane County border in Oregon.
The warning, issued by the National Tsunami Warning Center in Palmer, Alaska, was in effect until 11:54 a.m., when it was canceled after no tsunami waves were observed along the Oregon coast. The earthquake occurred in the Mendocino Triple Junction, a seismically active area where the Pacific and Juan de Fuca oceanic plates meet. This region, known for its tectonic instability, lies within the Mendocino Fracture Zone, a boundary between these two plates.
In response to the warning, Oregon state parks temporarily closed beach access points, and evacuation notices were issued for portions of the coast. With the cancellation of the tsunami warning, beach access is set to reopen at 3:00 p.m. While the immediate threat has subsided, officials stressed that today’s events underscore the ongoing need for preparedness in the face of natural disasters.
Agencies Urge Public to Take Preparedness Steps
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI), and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) have joined forces to encourage individuals and families to take steps now to ensure their safety in the event of future emergencies. According to the agencies, taking proactive measures can make a significant difference during a natural disaster.
Among the key recommendations are:
- Know Your Evacuation Routes: It is crucial for residents and visitors to familiarize themselves with local tsunami evacuation routes. These routes are often posted in coastal areas, and additional resources are available online through the DOGAMI/NANOOS Tsunami Evacuation Zones portal.
- Sign Up for Emergency Alerts: Staying informed during an emergency is vital. Officials recommend subscribing to alerts at ORalert.gov, which sends notifications based on a person’s zip code. Additionally, activating Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on mobile phones can help ensure that individuals receive real-time alerts based on their location, which is particularly important for those visiting the coast.
- Create a Go Kit: A portable emergency kit containing essentials such as food, water, medications, and important documents is essential for any disaster. Having a go kit ready can provide peace of mind in an emergency situation.
- Review Your Emergency Plan: Families are urged to discuss and review their emergency plans. This includes determining evacuation procedures, identifying meeting points, and knowing how to communicate if separated. Resources such as the Be2WeeksReady Toolkit, available for free, can help families develop a comprehensive plan.
As the risk of earthquakes and tsunamis remains a real concern for coastal communities, today’s reminder serves as a call to action for everyone to be better prepared. While the immediate danger has passed, the agencies emphasized that taking the right steps now can help ensure safety in the future.