The Big One Session 2  
Dec. 7, 2016


Speaker Tim Cook – NW Seismic:
  • Retrofit of residential construction for seismic upgrades has not been addressed in building codes.  Although some jurisdictions, including City of Portland, require that the homeowner obtain a permit for retrofit work, there is no code basis for upgrades. 
  • Some sort of seismic anchors has been required for new residential construction since 1978.  Since a major code revision in 1995, these generally taken the form of an anchor bolt set in the concrete foundation that is intended to bolt through the mud plate with both nut and washer.  (The mud plate is the board that is attached to the building concrete foundation.) Unfortunately, neither contractors nor inspectors have taken appropriate care in installation of these anchors so many are not effective. Homeowners should be aware that neither a permit nor inspection guarantees safety. 
  • As there is no code basis for evaluating the design of seismic anchors, engineers tend to follow the “prescriptive path” methodology that was developed by a code advisory committee.  This requires seismic anchors to be installed at 4’ spacing, but a homeowner should not assume this is sufficient. 
  • Seismic retrofit is not a requirement for earthquake insurance.  Insurance companies have varying requirements; the homeowner should ask for a list of those requirements before accepting a specific policy.
  • Modern seismic retrofit anchors are installed on the inside face of the foundation and attach to the side of the mud plate.  Any anchor provides protection in only one direction, so they need to be installed equally on all sides of a structure despite any dimensional differences.  The number of anchors is determined through calculation. The calculation is the sum of the weight of the structure; each anchor has the capability to resist a certain amount so the number of anchors must be able to resist the entire weight. Gravity is the primary anchor for a building, even in an earthquake, but the side motion must be resisted.
  • Timber construction generally hold together in an earthquake, especially the main floor (the “platform” of a building).  A single story house built since 1995 and conforming to code is the safest structure seismically. Upper stories may collapse during the sideways motion of an earthquake. 
  • City of Portland, Bureau of Development has helpful information on seismic retrofit.  One page is linked here: http://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/53562 

Speaker Barry Newman – Westside Heights NET Team Leader:
  • Why prepare? Unless you already have addressed all possible scenarios and situations, everyone should prepare for emergencies. 
  • The “Three Pillars of Preparedness:”
    • Personal and family preparation
    • Community resilience
    • Having skills
  • Evaluate your seismic risk. There are many resources online, including Westside Heights NET Dropbox:  https://www.dropbox.com/sh/41alpy85hajzq3m/AAAz6I65fGiKb0oOsO766Vbba?dl=0 
  • Start planning for emergencies/disasters by thinking of possibilities.  Be aware of “Normalcy Bias”; a mental state when facing disaster that causes people to underestimate the possibility of a disaster and its possible effects.
    • Pre-disaster planning:
      • What do you need to do?
        • Where will you be?
        • Who will you need to find?
        • Where do you need to go?
        • How long will you need to plan for?
      • What things will you need to have:
        • How long will you need to plan for?
        • Where will you need to use it?
        • What season/conditions will exist at the time of the disaster?
      • How will you communicate?
    • What do you need to do during a disaster?
      • Where will you be?
      • Will you be with family? Or not?
      • Where do you need to go? How will you get there?
      • Who will you need to find?
      • How long will this last? 
    • What do you need to do after a disaster?
      • Where will you be?
      • Will you be with family? Or not?
      • Where do you need to go? How will you get there?
      • Who will you need to find?
      • How long will this last?

Current estimates for restoring services in the Willamette Valley (estimates to restore services at the coast are much longer):
  • Electricity        -     1-3 months
  • Police and fire stations     -     2-4 months
  • Drinking water         -     1 month to 1 year
  • Sewer            -    1 month to 1 year
  • Top priority roads    -    6-12 months
  • Healthcare facilities    -    18 months

What things will you need to have?
  • Air. You can only last moments without air.  
In the event of toxic spills or events, dust from volcanic eruptions or for pandemic infection, you may need to consider N-95 respirators or full face gas masks.  A wet towel over your nose and mouth can provide minimal protection
  • Water.  You can last 2-3 days only without water.
Guidelines state 1 gallon/per person/per day.  Count everyone, including pets.  Also consider hygiene requirements. Consider filters and/or purification.
  • Food. You can last 3 days to a week without food.
Perishable food in your fridge will only last about 4-6 hours once power goes out.  Many  non-perishable foods are only viable for weeks or months, not long term.  Consider emergency food rations (bars, etc.), freeze dried food, MREs (meals-ready-to-eat), cereals, grains, canned food.  Consider seeds for planting for longer term survival. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management) recommends three (3) days of food.  State of Oregon officially recommends two (2) weeks of food and water.  Unofficial recommendations are 1-3 months of both.

  • Heat. Fuel and safety are the most important considerations when thinking about heat.
  • Shelter. Is it safe to stay in your home? Can you live there for weeks/months without heat, water, electricity? Consider emergency thermal blankets, sleeping bags, tents.
  • First Aid. You’ll need both supplies and knowledge.  
  • Other.  Medications – long term supply.  Other medical supplies.  Hygiene supplies (disinfectant, wipes, toilet paper). Survival gear (compass, shovel, saw).  Security.
  • Think about sheltering in place vs. going to a shelter vs. travelling in survival mode.  Each of these require different planning.
 
Plan for Bug Out Bags (BOBs) (waterproof recommended) for differing conditions:
  • Wintertime? Plan for clothes and equipment for warmth and shelter.
  • Summertime? Plan to bring bug spray, lighter clothing, lighter shelter.
  • Are you in your car? On a bike? In evacuation transportation?
  • Is there a total societal meltdown? Do you need to keep a low profile or will you look to be rescued? People get desperate after three days with no food.
  • How long will you need to support yourself? 
  • Remember, shelters don’t normally accept pets.
  • Keep the documents and keepsakes you want to take with you where you can grab them as you go.
  • Think about where you store your BOBs; probably not in your basement or attic.  They need to be where you can access them in the moment.
  • Consider what kind of storage; backpack or tub?
  • Consider bags for multiple scenarios; evacuation, stealth, 3-day survival, etc. don’t forget kids and pets.
  • The limits are your time, your money, your imagination.
 
How will you communicate?
  • Landline phones will not work
  • You won’t have internet access
  • Cell phones limited by your battery life.
  • Walkie-talkies limited to line of sight.
  • Best alternative may be HAM radio.
  • Satellite phones good but expensive.
  • Power is the key; have lots of viable batteries.
 
Your plan
  • Is your home structurally safe so you can shelter in place
  • Is there a nearby safe shelter?
  • If you evacuate, where will you go
  • Are there safe evacuation routes?
  • Do you have viable transportation?
  • Are you walking? Remember accessory issues:
    • Pets
    • Family/friends with disabilities
    • Elderly
    • Healthcare needs/first aid

What to Do During and After an Earthquake
  • During an earthquake:
    • DO NOT RUN OUTSIDE
    • DROP, COVER, HOLD ON. Do NOT move to another location.
    • Get under sturdy furniture if possible.  Otherwise curl down next to an inside wall.  In all cases, keep your back to the ceiling.  It is easier to push up from the floor.
    • One exception to leaving a building is if you are in a concrete parking structure.  Those are so dangerous, you need to leave if you can.
 
  • After an earthquake:
    • Assess the impact of the quake on your surroundings
    • Take an inventory/head count
    • Prepare for aftershocks
    • DON’T PANIC
    • Provide rescue assistance if you have those skills
    • Look after your family
    • Look after your community
 
  • Steps to consider: