Earthquakes

The City's standing goal is to be prepared to respond and recover from any hazard as safely and quickly as possible. Mercer Island is fortunate in that we have an emergency water well at Rotary Park, a cadre of trained volunteers, and extensive emergency plans already in place that will make our goal a reality.
Apart from City government preparations, all residents must also be part of the solution...

If and when a large earthquake occurs due to the Cascadia Subduction Zone, it is expected to trigger major damage to infrastructure, such as bridges, the electrical grid, water supply, sewer pipes, telephones, etc. The last major earthquake in this zone, and accompanying tsunami, was in approximately 1700, and many experts believe another is due.

As a result, it is important that every resident is prepared to take care of himself or herself, and also their neighbors, for 10 days after a very large earthquake. Download the City's simple 2-pager summary now.

Ways You Can Prepare Now

• Making a plan for how you will communicate and where you will meet if separated. Practice your plan at least annually.
• Building emergency kits for your home and vehicle. If finances are tight, start small and add supplies as you are able, or band together with a neighbor to share resources.
• Helping each other by knowing your neighbors, their special needs, and available community resources.

During An Earthquake

When the ground begins to shake, “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” until the shaking stops. Do this during any aftershocks that are likely to follow.

More Information From Ready.Gov

Now is the time to prepare!  Learn more on what to do before, during, and after an earthquake.