Shake out , don ’ t freak out
The Charbonneau Villager September 2023 17
EPPS
By JOHN MCLAIN AND SANDY BATTE
Shake out , don ’ t freak out
On Thursday , Sept . 14 , at 6:14 p . m ., Charbonneau will conduct its annual SHAKE OUT drill . This is an opportunity to practice how to protect yourself and those you are responsible for , during a big earthquake . It has also been organized to encourage you to review and update your emergency preparedness plans and supplies , and to prepare your space in order to prevent damage and injuries .
Scientists know that at approximately 9 p . m . at night on Jan . 26 , 1700 , a magnitude-9.0 earthquake struck the Pacific Northwest . They have determined that the Pacific Northwest has experienced 41 subduction zone earthquakes in the past 10,000 years . Counting from the earthquake of 1700 , we are now 323 years into a 243-year cycle . DON ’ T BE SCARED , BE PREPARED !
Resiliency , which is defined as “ The process of adapting well in the face of adversity , trauma , tragedy , threats or significant sources of stress ” is the key to survival . Repeated studies done after major earthquakes , hurricanes and floods have proven that resilient individuals and communities have higher survival and recovery rates . Your Charbonneau Emergency Preparedness / Public Safety ( EPPS ) team has a plan in place to help residents care for themselves in the event of this kind of major disaster , but your individual preparations will determine your success .
Thanks to a dedicated cadre of volunteer captains in our HOAs , Charbonneau is far better prepared to face emergencies than the average community . We have made it through the pandemic , a wildfire and an ice storm , we have learned important lessons along the way and have put those lessons to work . A prime example of this is the Activity Center . It is capable of operating as a warming / cooling center , supporting our communications network and housing our first-aid materials .
Practice is vital to these plans ! How do you participate in Shake Out ?
On Thursday , Sept . 14 , set an alarm for 6:14 p . m . and when it goes off :
Drop — to your hands and knees , under something sturdy .
Cover — the back of your head and neck with one arm .
Hold on — in case the thing you are under moves ( even heavy furniture will “ walk ” across the room in this type of event . What to do next ? 1 . Check on everyone in your home , are they OK ?
2 . Protect your head , feet and hands from broken glass and fallen debris . Time to put on your hard hat , work gloves and sturdy shoes , before going to your gathering spot !
3 . Make sure you know where your gas meter is and how to turn it off if necessary .
4 . Make sure you know where the main water shut off to your home is located and how to turn it off .
5 . Place your HELP / OK sign where it can be seen .
6 . Put your fire extinguisher at the end of your driveway .
7 . Go to the designated meeting place for your HOA .
When you check in at your gathering spot , you will receive a free raffle ticket . Every participating HOA will have prizes to award . This year you can win two emergency drinking straws that can provide life-saving water .
Remember : Ground shaking during an earthquake is seldom the cause of injury . Most earthquake-related injuries and deaths are caused by collapsing walls and roofs , flying glass and falling objects . It is extremely important for a person to move as little as possible to reach the place of safety he or she has identified because most injuries occur when people try to move more than a short distance during the shaking .
Your first help will come from the people living around you . In an actual emergency , your HOA captains will be communicating with an Incident Command Center , the outside world via HAM radio and satellite phone and will be in contact with our medically trained residents ( MTRs ). Shake Out is a vital practice drill for all of us !
Lisa Willett
REALTOR ®, Broker Licensed in Oregon
( 503 ) 318-7585 Oregon License # 980800079 Top Performer 2019-2022
I am committed to upholding the REALTOR ® Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice .
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Incident Command Team members practice how to keep Charbonneau safe during a major emergency .
COURTESY PHOTO : SANDRA BATTE
Mark Willett
Assistant to Lisa
( 503 ) 348-1008
Cascade Hasson Sotheby ’ s International Realty Charbonneau Team 31840 SW Charbonneau Dr , Suite B
lisawillett . cascadehassonsir . com