Fred Hutchinson, Alliance practice for big quake during Disaster Preparedness Month drills

Brief

The 2001 Nisqually earthquake cracked buildings, crushed cars and closed Sea-Tac Airport — but it could have been far worse. The question, say geologists, is not if a "big one" will occur here, but when.

During Disaster Preparedness Month, which began April 1, the center will host a series of events intended to help staff prepare for earthquakes and other disasters.

At noon on April 11 in the Arnold Building (PHS), M1-A303 and April 13, Pelton Auditorium, hear Bob Freitag, executive director of the Cascadia Region Earthquake Workgroup and director of the Institute for Hazard Mitigation Planning and Research at the University of Washington, speak about seismic hazards and what you and your family can do to prepare.

On April 21, Fred Hutchinson and the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance will participate in the statewide DUCK, COVER and HOLD Earthquake Drill. Between 9:45 and 10 a.m., a pre-alert announcement will indicate that the earthquake drill will be conducted in five minutes. That message will be followed by the actual alert.

At that time, we encourage you to imagine an earthquake is occurring and do the following:

• Duck under a sturdy desk or table.
• Cover your head.
• Hold onto the desk or table until 30-second drill message is complete.

You are encouraged to participate and to use the event as a springboard to discuss other essential earthquake safety actions with family, friends and coworkers. For additional earthquake-preparedness information, contact Ron Clark at (206) 667-3475 or reclark@fhcrc.org.

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