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'Unprepared': Stream The Documentary Online Now

Oregon Field Guide spent a year-and-a-half probing into the state of Oregon's preparedness, and found that when it comes to bridges, schools, hospitals, building codes and energy infrastructure, Oregon lags far behind many quake-prone regions of the country.

How To Prepare Water For The Cascadia Quake

Individuals could be on their own for two weeks after the Cascadia Subduction Zone quake. Make sure you're prepared by having enough water ready. 

Aftershock: The Impact On Your Neighborhood

How To Prepare For The Cascadia Megaquake

"The Really Big One," a new piece from The New Yorker, chronicled a yet-to-happen earthquake that will devastate the Northwest. OPB’s own "Unprepared," series tackles the impending disaster and what to do when it strikes.

What Is The Future Of Coastal Communities After A Megaquake?

A look at what water infrastructure can tell us about the survival of coastal communities after what could be the largest natural disaster in American history.

Oregon Tsunami Maps Dangerously Out Of Date

The official map of Oregon's tsunami inundation zone is 20-years old.  A lot has changed over those years, however, including the sophistication of computer modeling.

What Holds Us Back From Being Prepared For A Disaster?

We know a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake isn't a matter of "if," but "when." So, why do we put off preparing for it?

Earthquakes Rattle Southern Oregon Coast

Warrior Squirrel/Flickr

By Bryan M. Vance
OPB
Sept. 25, 2016 9:56 a.m.

A pair of moderate earthquakes shook the Pacific Ocean about 100 miles off the southern Oregon coast late Saturday and early Sunday.

Research: Cascadia Quake Could Hit Sooner Than We Thought

Rick Bowmer/AP

By Portland Tribune Staff
Pamplin
Aug. 07, 2016 1:11 p.m.

A new analysis suggests that massive earthquakes on northern sections of the Cascadia Subduction Zone are somewhat more frequent than has been believed in the past.

Portland Maps The Most Dangerous Places To Be During An Earthquake

City of Portland

By Kristian Foden-Vencil
OPB
May 26, 2016 10:25 a.m.

The city of Portland has released a new map showing the most dangerous places to be during an earthquake.

 

Meet The 'Really Big One': The Northwest's Megaquake

Steve Taylor (Ray White)/NOAA

By OPB Staff
OPB
July 16, 2015 midnight

Scientists tell us our region is going to experience a subduction zone earthquake and tsunami. It will be so disruptive, it will change the region forever.

Quake Could Threaten 90 Percent Of Oregon Fuel Supply

OPB

By Tony Schick
OPB/EarthFix
Sept. 27, 2015 midnight

Along the Willamette River, a six-mile stretch in Portland holds more than 90 percent of the state’s fuel supply. If a quake strikes here, it could devastate supply lines for fuel, electricity and natural gas. 

Half Of Oregon's Critical Bridges Could Collapse In Quake

thedaisychick/Flickr

By Ed Jahn
OPB
Sept. 25, 2015 midnight

New data compiled by the Oregon Department of Transportation reveals nearly 60 percent of the state's bridges could be impassable after a big earthquake.

How Oregon Schools Are Preparing For A Megaquake

Rick Bowmer/AP

By Kristian Foden-Vencil
OPB
Sept. 27, 2015 midnight

The state has known since 2007 that 649 Oregon schools are at high risk of collapse in a subduction zone earthquake. Eight years and one Great Recession later, has anything changed?

New Alert System Shakes Up Traditional Quake Teachings

Rick Bowmer/AP

By Kristian Foden-Vencil
OPB
Sept. 27, 2015 midnight

For years, experts have said that if there’s an earthquake we should "Duck, Cover and Hold." But is that always the best approach?

Preparing Your Home For A Megaquake

Mark Baker/AP

By Ryan Haas
OPB
May 04, 2015 midnight

Surviving a megaquake in the Northwest is about more than having enough food and water. In the moments after the shaking stops, treating injuries and finding a safe shelter are paramount.

How To Safely Turn Off Utilities After A Disaster

Alan Sylvestre/OPB

By Ryan Haas
OPB
May 15, 2015 2:45 p.m.

In the wake of a natural disaster like an earthquake, the natural gas, water and electricity in a home become potentially serious threats to health and well-being.

Here's What 4 Families Learned When They Tried To Live Off Their Emergency Supplies

Amelia Templeton/OPB

By OPB Staff
OPB
May 18, 2015 5 a.m.

Experts warn that it could be 72 hours or more before help arrives after the megaquake hits Oregon. Four families learned first hand just how prepared they were — and what they still need to do to get ready.

How Powerful Is A 9.0 Earthquake?

Specialist Dylan McCord/U.S. Navy

By Ryan Haas , John Rosman
OPB
March 09, 2015 9:31 a.m.

While there are many lessons Oregon can take away from the massive earthquake that struck Japan in 2011, one of the most basic is just how much more energy is released during a 9.0 compared to lesser magnitude earthquakes.

How Scientists Know When The Last Big Earthquake Happened Here

Wolfram Burner/Flickr

By Tullan Spitz
OPB
Jan. 26, 2015 midnight

Oral traditions of people native to the Pacific Northwest and lots of scientific data point clearly to a major earthquake along the Cascadia Subduction Zone in 1700, and another one is looming.

About Unprepared: Will We Be Ready For The Megaquake In Oregon?

A magnitude 9.0 earthquake off the Northwest coast could hit at any time. How can we prepare for this impending and unpredictable disaster?