The Portland Office of Emergency Management along with the Portland Bureau of Development Services, Multnomah County Emergency Management, Clackamas County Emergency Management and American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter will hold a public meeting on Monday, April 25th to discuss how residents can better prepare their homes for an earthquake.

The recent 9.0 magnitude earthquake in Japan is a reminder the Pacific Northwest is also in a seismically active region. Our last catastrophic quake was geologically similar to the one in Japan and struck off the West Coast on January 26, 1700. Scientists expect it is only a matter of time before pressure builds along the Cascadia Subduction Zone, causing a region-wide quake with significant structural damage to buildings, injuries to thousands and potential loss of life.

Although a major earthquake occurring in the future is a near certainty, there are many steps residents can take to better prepare their homes and businesses and reduce the likelihood of damage. The three speakers at the event will share some of these actions: Jim Nicks of the Portland Bureau of Development Service will discuss the City’s Residential Seismic Strengthening Program; Jay Wilson of Clackamas County will share his personal home retrofitting experience; and Francisco Ianni of American Red Cross will provide general emergency preparedness tips.

Volunteers from Portland’s Neighborhood Emergency Teams (NETs) will be available to answer questions about the NET program as an opportunity for Portlanders to get directly involved with community preparedness.

WHAT:         Home Earthquake Preparedness Meeting

WHEN:         Monday, April 25, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

WHERE:       St. Johns Community Center (8427 N. Central St., Portland OR 97203)

COST:          Free