Earthquake | Skagit County

Know the Risk

Earthquakes can happen without a warning. Skagit County can be affected by earthquakes from the Cascadia Subduction Zone, deep earthquakes within the Juan de Fuca Plate, and crustal faults in Western Washington. Strong shaking can damage buildings, roads, bridges, utilities, and may also trigger landslides, liquefaction, fires, hazardous material releases, and tsunamis.

Western Washington contains multiple fault lines that could trigger earthquakes of different strengths and with significantly different effects. Damage from an earthquake would be determined based on both strength and type.

The potential for Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) earthquakes was discovered relatively recently. It is one of the most significant earthquake risks because it's likely to be strong and last a long time. A CSZ earthquake around magnitude 8.0 would shake for up to two minutes and result in damage throughout the community:

Because earthquakes provide little or no warning, knowing how to protect yourself before shaking begins is one of the most important preparedness steps.

Before - Prepare Now

Secure tall or heavy furniture, televisions, and other objects that could fall. Store heavy and breakable items in lower shelves.

Make a household emergency plan and identify how family members will communicate if phone service is disrupted.

Keep emergency supplies at home and consider additional supplies for your vehicles and workplace. It is recommended to be at least 2 weeks ready.

Earthquake Preparedness

Practice Drop, Cover, and Hold

DROP to your hands and knees.

COVER your head and neck. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, get underneath it.

HOLD ON until the shaking stops.

If you are indoors, stay indoors during the shaking, do not run outside. If you are outside, move away from buildings, trees, utility poles, and power lines if you can safely do so. If you are driving, pull over in a safe location away from bridges, overpasses and power lines, and remain in the vehicle until the shaking stops.

After

Check for hazards before moving. Smell for gas (rotten egg odor). Look for structural damage, downed power lines, and standing water that could be electrically charged. If in doubt, stay out.

Expect aftershocks. Aftershocks can occur minutes, hours, or days after the main quake. Drop, Cover, and Hold On each time.

Do not use open flame. Do not light matches, candles, or gas appliances until you are certain there is no gas leak.

Listen for official instructions. Monitor Skagit Ready, NOAA Weather Radio (162.550 MHz), and local media before re-entering buildings or traveling.

Watch for tsunamis if near water. A major earthquake near the coast is a natural tsunami warning. Move inland and to higher ground immediately. Do not wait for a siren.

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