Local
Small quake southwest of Wilderness Rim precedes Washington ShakeOut drill
A magnitude 2.7 earthquake was recorded Thursday morning about 5 kilometers southwest of Wilderness Rim near North Bend. The tremor came hours before the annual Great ShakeOut earthquake-preparedness drill.
A magnitude 2.7 earthquake struck Thursday morning about 5 kilometers southwest of Wilderness Rim, near North Bend, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. It came hours before the annual Great ShakeOut, a worldwide exercise that gives people a chance to practice how to respond when the ground shakes.
The drill’s central advice is “drop, cover and hold on.” Indoors, emergency officials recommend getting down on hands and knees, protecting the head and neck, and taking shelter under a sturdy table or desk if one is nearby. If there is no shelter, move away from windows and objects that could fall. Outside, get clear of buildings and other potential falling hazards and remain in an open area until shaking stops.
Preparedness also means planning for where people might be when an earthquake happens, including at home, work, school or in a vehicle. Washington emergency officials recommend keeping emergency supplies in more than one place.
A basic kit can include nonperishable food and water—one gallon of water per person per day—along with a flashlight, batteries, battery-powered radio, first-aid supplies, medications and portable chargers. Local maps may also be useful if internet service or communications fail after a major earthquake. Supplies for infants and pets should be included where needed.
The North Bend-area tremor served as a reminder of the region’s earthquake risk as residents prepared to take part in the drill.