Earthquake Safety: Drop! Cover! Hold On!

Portland Earthquake Preparedness: What to Do Before, During, and After an Earthquake

Earthquakes can happen without warning. Unlike a winter storm or wildfire, there may be no forecast, evacuation notice, or time to gather supplies before the emergency begins. The preparations you make today could determine how safely and comfortably you manage the days following a major earthquake.

For Portland residents, earthquake preparedness is particularly important because our region faces the possibility of several types of earthquakes. Smaller crustal faults can produce damaging local earthquakes, while the Cascadia Subduction Zone off the Pacific Northwest coast is capable of generating a much larger regional event.

A major earthquake could damage homes, roads, bridges, water lines, power systems, and communication networks throughout the Portland metropolitan area. Emergency responders may be overwhelmed, and some neighborhoods could be temporarily isolated. Cellphone service, internet access, and 911 communications may be unavailable when people need them most.

That is why Portland has established Basic Earthquake Emergency Communication Nodes, better known as BEECNs. These neighborhood communication sites are an important part of Portland’s emergency response plan—but residents need to understand how they work, when they activate, and what services they do and do not provide.

Earthquake preparedness is not about predicting exactly when an earthquake will occur. It is about making your home safer, building an emergency supply, learning what to do during the shaking, and knowing how to communicate afterward.

Why Portland Residents Should Prepare for Earthquakes

The Pacific Northwest is part of an active seismic region. The Cascadia Subduction Zone runs offshore from Northern California to British Columbia, where the Juan de Fuca Plate is moving beneath the North American Plate.

A full-margin Cascadia earthquake could produce prolonged shaking across a wide area. Portland is farther inland than coastal communities, but the city could still experience serious damage to buildings, bridges, utilities, and transportation systems.

Portland also has local crustal faults capable of causing earthquakes closer to the city. Because these faults are nearby, even a smaller earthquake could cause intense local shaking.

The extent of damage to an individual home would depend on many factors, including:

• The earthquake’s location, depth, and magnitude
• The home’s age and construction
• Whether the home is properly connected to its foundation
• The condition of the foundation
• The underlying soil
• Proximity to landslide or liquefaction hazards
• The condition of utility systems
• Whether furniture, appliances, and other heavy objects have been secured

Older Portland homes may deserve additional attention. Some were built before modern seismic standards and may contain unreinforced masonry, older foundations, tall brick chimneys, or limited connections between the wood framing and foundation.

A qualified contractor or structural engineer can help homeowners identify potential vulnerabilities and determine whether seismic improvements would be beneficial.

What Is a BEECN?

BEECN (pronounced “beacon”) stands for Basic Earthquake Emergency Communication Node. 

A BEECN is a temporary emergency radio communication site that may be activated after a major earthquake if normal communication systems—including cellphone service, landlines, Wi-Fi, and internet access—are not working.

Portland currently has approximately 50 designated BEECN locations distributed throughout the city. They are intended to help relay urgent information between Portland neighborhoods and the city’s emergency response system.

At an activated BEECN, residents may be able to:

• Report severe injuries
• Report major fires or hazardous conditions
• Report significant structural or infrastructure damage
• Request emergency assistance when 911 cannot be reached
• Receive verified information about the disaster response
• Learn where certain emergency resources may be available

BEECNs use radio equipment to communicate when the systems people ordinarily depend on have failed. They may be staffed by trained BEECN volunteers, pre-designated City employees, Neighborhood Emergency Team members, or other authorized volunteers.

Activated BEECNs are designed to be recognizable by a red-and-white tent.

When Will BEECNs Open?

BEECNs are intended for major earthquakes that cause widespread communication failures. They are not expected to activate after every earthquake, power outage, or neighborhood emergency.

The Portland Bureau of Emergency Management hopes to have BEECN sites operating within approximately 24 to 48 hours after a catastrophic earthquake. Some may be established sooner, while others may take longer depending on damage, accessibility, available volunteers, and conditions at the site.

This delay is important to understand. A BEECN is not necessarily somewhere you should rush immediately after the shaking stops.

Your first priorities should be to:

1. Protect yourself during the shaking.
2. Check yourself and the people around you for injuries.
3. Identify immediate hazards such as fire, gas leaks, damaged wiring, or unstable structures.
4. Account for household members and neighbors.
5. Follow emergency instructions available by radio or other functioning communication channels.
6. Remain at home if it is safe and you have the supplies to do so.

If communication systems are down and you later need to report a life-threatening emergency, request assistance, or report major damage, an activated BEECN may provide a way to communicate with emergency responders.

What a BEECN Is Not

A BEECN is primarily a communication site. It should not be confused with a shelter, hospital, fire station, or general disaster-supply center.

You should not assume that a BEECN will provide:

• Food and drinking water for the neighborhood
• Overnight shelter
• Complete medical care
• Prescription medications
• Charging stations
• Fuel
• Transportation
• Childcare
• Pet sheltering
• Replacement emergency supplies

BEECN equipment caches may contain limited first-aid equipment and tools used to establish and operate the communication site, but those supplies are not intended to support the surrounding neighborhood for an extended period.

Residents should still prepare to be self-sufficient after an earthquake. The City recommends remaining safely at home when possible and using a BEECN when emergency communication is needed and ordinary communication systems are unavailable.

Find Your Closest BEECN Before an Earthquake

The best time to locate your BEECN is now—not after streets, landmarks, and cellular networks have been disrupted.

You can find the closest location by visiting the City of Portland’s BEECN information page. Portland residents can also search their address on PortlandMaps and look in the Public Safety section for the nearest BEECN.

Once you locate it:

• Write down the site’s name and address.
• Mark it on a printed neighborhood map.
• Place the information in your emergency kit.
• Share the location with everyone in your household.
• Identify more than one walking route to the site.
• Choose a backup location in case the closest site is inaccessible.
• Remember that locations can change, so verify the information periodically.

Do not depend exclusively on your phone for directions. After a major earthquake, cellular data may be unavailable and keeping your phone charged will be important.

What to Do During an Earthquake Indoors

If you feel shaking while indoors, stay inside and immediately:

Drop

Drop onto your hands and knees before the shaking knocks you down. This position helps protect you from falling while allowing you to move a short distance if necessary.

Cover

Cover your head and neck. If a sturdy desk or table is nearby, crawl underneath it. If no sturdy shelter is available, move away from windows and exterior walls, crouch low, and protect your head and neck with your arms.

Hold On

Hold on to your shelter and be prepared to move with it. Continue protecting your head and neck until the shaking stops.

Do not run outside during the shaking. The area immediately outside a building can be especially dangerous because glass, brick, siding, chimneys, signs, and other materials may fall from above.

Do not stand in a doorway. Doorways in modern homes are not necessarily stronger than other parts of the structure, and they do not protect you from falling objects.

Additional guidance includes:

• If you are in bed, remain there and cover your head with a pillow unless an immediate hazard makes staying unsafe.
• Stay away from windows, mirrors, fireplaces, tall furniture, and overhead cabinets.
• Do not use an elevator.
• If you use a wheelchair, lock the wheels and protect your head and neck.
• If you use a walker with a seat, sit down, lock the wheels, and protect your head and neck.
• In a crowded public space, do not rush for an exit while the building is shaking.

Earthquake drills can help these actions become more automatic. Everyone in the household should practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On.

What to Do During an Earthquake Outdoors

If you are outdoors, move to an open area if you can reach one safely. Stay away from:

• Buildings and exterior walls
• Windows and glass
• Brick chimneys
• Trees
• Power lines
• Streetlights
• Bridges and overpasses
• Signs
• Retaining walls
• Steep slopes

Drop to the ground and protect your head and neck until the shaking stops.

Afterward, watch for downed power lines, broken glass, unstable walls, damaged roads, fallen trees, and leaking utility lines. Never touch a downed electrical line or anything it may be contacting.

What to Do During an Earthquake While Driving

If you are driving when the shaking begins:

1. Reduce your speed gradually.
2. Pull over in a safe location.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking stops.

Avoid stopping beneath or beside:

• Bridges
• Overpasses
• Power lines
• Trees
• Buildings
• Signs
• Light poles
• Retaining walls
• Steep hillsides

Once the shaking stops, proceed cautiously. Roads, bridges, ramps, and traffic signals may be damaged. Watch for cracks, debris, fallen utility lines, emergency vehicles, and people in the roadway.

Do not drive over a visibly damaged bridge or enter an area closed by emergency officials.

A major Portland earthquake could make driving difficult or impossible. Keep sturdy walking shoes, seasonal clothing, water, food, a flashlight, first-aid supplies, and a printed map in your vehicle in case you need to continue on foot.

If You Are Near the Oregon Coast

Earthquake preparedness changes significantly when you are at the Oregon Coast.

Strong or prolonged shaking may be a natural tsunami warning. Protect yourself from the earthquake first. As soon as the shaking stops, move inland and to higher ground.

Do not wait for an official alert if:

• The shaking was strong enough to make standing difficult
• The shaking continued for an unusually long time
• The ocean suddenly recedes or changes unexpectedly
• You hear a loud roar coming from the ocean

Follow posted tsunami evacuation routes and continue beyond the hazard zone. Do not return until officials confirm it is safe. The first wave may not be the largest, and dangerous waves can continue for hours.

Before visiting or purchasing a home at the coast, learn the applicable tsunami evacuation route and determine whether you could follow it on foot.

What to Do Immediately After the Shaking Stops

An earthquake will probably be followed by aftershocks. Be prepared to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” again.

Once the shaking stops:

• Check yourself for injuries.
• Check household members and nearby neighbors.
• Put on sturdy shoes and work gloves.
• Look for fire, smoke, broken glass, and fallen objects.
• Check for damaged electrical wiring.
• Check for leaking water or sewage.
• Examine the building for signs of structural damage.
• Keep away from damaged chimneys and exterior masonry.
• Move cautiously and expect debris.
• Listen to a battery-powered radio for official information.
• Use text messages instead of calls when possible.
• Avoid unnecessary travel.
• Keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.
• Do not enter severely damaged buildings.

If you smell gas, hear escaping gas, or see a damaged gas line, leave the building. Do not light a match, use a flame, operate electrical switches, or do anything that could create a spark.

Learn the proper procedures for your utilities before an earthquake. Gas service should not be shut off automatically after every earthquake. Once it is turned off, the utility may require a qualified professional to restore service.

How to Communicate After a Major Earthquake

Communication systems may be damaged or overloaded even when individual phones still work.

Create a household communication plan that includes:

• A local meeting place
• A meeting place outside the immediate neighborhood
• An out-of-area contact
• School and workplace emergency procedures
• The location of your nearest BEECN
• Printed phone numbers and addresses
• Plans for children, older adults, pets, and anyone needing assistance

Choose someone outside the Portland area to serve as the household’s communication contact. Family members may be able to reach an out-of-region number even when local calls are not connecting.

When cellular service is limited:

• Send short text messages.
• Avoid repeated calls.
• Keep conversations brief.
• Conserve phone battery.
• Turn off unnecessary apps and wireless functions.
• Use a battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
• Follow verified government and emergency-management sources.
• Do not spread unconfirmed reports.

If normal communication has failed and you need to report a severe injury, major fire, or other urgent emergency, check whether your neighborhood BEECN has activated.

Build a Two-Week Earthquake Supply

A major regional earthquake could interrupt water, electricity, transportation, grocery deliveries, and emergency services for an extended period. Oregon’s emergency-preparedness guidance encourages households to work toward being self-sufficient for at least two weeks.

Begin with water. A common planning guideline is one gallon per person per day for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene. Individual needs may be higher because of age, health, pregnancy, heat, or physical activity.

An earthquake supply should include:

• Drinking water
• Shelf-stable food
• Manual can opener
• First-aid kit
• Prescription medications
• Flashlights and headlamps
• Extra batteries
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Portable phone chargers
• Sturdy shoes
• Work gloves
• Warm clothing
• Rain gear
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• N95 masks
• Fire extinguisher
• Whistle
• Multipurpose tool
• Hygiene and sanitation supplies
• Garbage bags and ties
• Toilet paper
• Soap and hand sanitizer
• Cash in small denominations
• Copies of important documents
• Printed contact information
• Paper maps
• Spare glasses
• Supplies for infants, older adults, or people with disabilities
• Pet food, water, medication, carriers, and leashes

Store supplies in more than one accessible location if possible. An earthquake could block access to a basement, garage, closet, or storage room.

Keep a smaller grab-and-go kit near an exit and another at work or in your vehicle.

Make Your Home Safer Before an Earthquake

Many earthquake injuries are caused by falling or flying objects rather than structural collapse. Walk through each room and identify objects that could fall, break, or block an exit.

Consider taking these steps:

• Anchor tall bookcases and cabinets to wall studs.
• Secure televisions and large electronics.
• Strap the water heater correctly.
• Install latches on cabinets containing heavy or breakable items.
• Store heavy objects on lower shelves.
• Move beds away from large windows when possible.
• Avoid hanging heavy mirrors or artwork over beds.
• Secure hanging light fixtures.
• Keep exits, hallways, and stairs clear.
• Place sturdy shoes and a flashlight beside each bed.
• Maintain smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
• Keep fire extinguishers accessible.
• Learn where utility shutoffs are located.
• Repair damaged foundations, chimneys, and masonry.
• Consider a professional seismic evaluation.

Homeowners with older brick chimneys should pay particular attention to the condition of the masonry and the area surrounding the chimney. Unreinforced chimneys can create hazards inside the home, on the roof, and along exterior walkways.

Consider a Seismic Evaluation

A seismic retrofit is intended to improve the connection between a home and its foundation. Depending on the building, work may include foundation anchoring, strengthening cripple walls, improving framing connections, or addressing vulnerable masonry.

Not every home needs the same improvements. Before beginning work, consult qualified professionals who understand the home’s age, foundation, construction, and site conditions.

Questions to ask include:

• Is the house adequately connected to the foundation?
• Are cripple walls properly braced?
• Is the foundation in good condition?
• Does the home contain unreinforced masonry?
• Is the chimney a significant hazard?
• Is the property in a liquefaction or landslide hazard area?
• Were additions completed with appropriate permits?
• Would a retrofit reduce the likelihood of the home shifting off its foundation?

A retrofit cannot make a home “earthquake-proof,” but it may improve its ability to withstand shaking and reduce certain types of damage.

Review Your Insurance Coverage

A standard homeowners insurance policy typically does not include earthquake damage unless separate earthquake coverage or an endorsement has been purchased.

Ask your insurance professional:

• Is earthquake damage covered?
• What deductible would apply?
• Is the deductible a percentage of the insured value?
• Does the policy cover the dwelling, personal property, and temporary housing?
• Are detached structures covered?
• Does coverage include debris removal?
• Are masonry, chimneys, or older foundations subject to limitations?
• Is the dwelling limit sufficient for current rebuilding costs?
• What documentation would be needed for a claim?

Earthquake policies can differ significantly. Read the terms carefully and evaluate the potential deductible alongside the coverage.

Renters should also review their insurance options. A landlord’s policy generally does not cover a tenant’s belongings or additional living expenses.

Know Your Neighbors

After a major earthquake, the people closest to you may be the first ones able to help.

Exchange contact information with trusted neighbors and discuss:

• Who may need mobility assistance
• Who has first-aid or medical training
• Who has tools or useful equipment
• Who knows how to shut off utilities
• Which households include infants or older adults
• Where pets may be located
• Who may be away during the day
• How the block will share information
• Where the nearest BEECN is located

Portland’s Neighborhood Emergency Team program trains volunteers to help their communities during disasters. Residents who want to become more involved can learn about NET and BEECN volunteer opportunities through the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management.

Create Your Portland Earthquake Plan

Earthquake preparation becomes more manageable when it is divided into smaller steps.

This Week

• Find your nearest BEECN.
• Write down its address.
• Identify two walking routes to it.
• Choose an out-of-area contact.
• Place sturdy shoes and a flashlight beside each bed.
• Practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On.
• Sign up for regional emergency alerts through PublicAlerts.

This Month

• Begin storing water and food.
• Assemble home and vehicle emergency kits.
• Secure at least one tall piece of furniture.
• Locate your utility shutoffs.
• Photograph each room for an insurance inventory.
• Talk with neighbors about emergency needs.
• Print a neighborhood map.

Over the Next Several Months

• Build toward two weeks of supplies.
• Secure additional furniture and appliances.
• Review earthquake insurance options.
• Have vulnerable chimneys, foundations, or structural connections evaluated.
• Take a first-aid or CPR class.
• Create plans for pets and household members needing extra assistance.
• Consider NET or BEECN volunteer training.
• Review and rotate emergency supplies.

Earthquake Preparedness is Part of Caring for Your Home

We cannot know when Portland’s next significant earthquake will happen, but we can reduce some of the uncertainty surrounding it.

Learn how to protect yourself indoors, outdoors, and in a vehicle. Make your home safer. Store enough supplies to remain self-sufficient. Create a household communication plan, get to know your neighbors, and identify your closest BEECN before you need it.

Most importantly, remember what BEECNs are designed to do. They provide an emergency communication connection when ordinary systems have failed. They are not a substitute for household supplies, insurance, structural preparation, or a family emergency plan.

Paris Group Realty, LLC helps Portland-area buyers and homeowners better understand the properties they own or are considering purchasing. That can include discussing a home’s age and construction, coordinating inspections, researching available property records, and identifying questions to ask qualified contractors, engineers, and insurance professionals.

Have questions about buying or selling a home in the Portland metropolitan area? Contact Paris Group Realty, LLC, via email at info@parisgrouprealty.com, or call (503) 926-5213. We are here to help you make informed decisions about your home and its long-term care.