Common Disasters Across the U.S.

Some disasters, like lightning strikes, home fires and windstorms can occur anywhere. Others, like earthquakes and hurricanes are more common in certain regions. The Pacific Northwest is home to many potential natural disasters, including wildfires, winter storms, flooding, and even a large earthquake or tsunami threat.

According to the American Red Cross, if you live in the Pacific West (Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California or Hawaii). You're at high risk of:

Earthquakes - Practice DROP, COVER and HOLD ON with everyone in your household.

Wildfires - Sign up for the emergency notification systems that your community uses. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment's notice, and keep an emergency kit in your car. Listen to local radio and television for the latest on safe evacuation routes.

Hurricanes (Hawaii) - Keep an emergency kit on hand, and create an evacuation plan for your household, including pets.

Volcanoes - Keep a dust mask and goggles on hand for every member of your family, and talk about your plan so everyone knows what to do in case of eruption.

Tsunami - Plan evacuation routes from home, work, school and other places you frequently go. Try to pick safe places 2 miles inland or 100 feet above sea level.

Landslides - Learn about local evacuation plans. Talk to everyone in your household about what you'll do if a landslide happens.

The Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development goes into further detail about natural hazards in the Pacific Northwest. The Washington Military Department Emergency Management Division also provides details about the natural and technological threats we may face.

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