According to the Oregon Resilience Plan, a major Cascadia earthquake is likely to damage electrical infrastructure. When it does, the coastal region may go without electricity for three to six months. Those farther inland in the valleys may go between one and three months before the infrastructure is fully repaired. Complicating matters, natural gas, water and wastewater, communications, and transportation infrastructure are also expected to be damaged during the event.
Electricity has become a resource we are highly dependent on, powering our lights, stoves, microwaves, washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers; our air conditioners and heaters; and our computers, phones, and TVs. Without electricity, gasoline will not pump into our cars, water won’t flow from our sinks, food production will struggle, communication systems will fail, and ATMs won’t provide cash. Some stores will be forced to close, generators will run out of emergency fuel, and hospitals will struggle to provide care.
For all of these reasons, you’ll need a power plan for at least the first two weeks following a major Cascadia event. Luckily, there are many great resources to help you along the journey!
RESOURCES TO HELP YOU PREPARE
VIDEOS TO HELP YOU PREPARE (AND ONE TO MAKE YOU SMILE)
Surviving Cascadia 