Governor Tina Kotek has proclaimed February as Tsunami and Earthquake Awareness Month in Oregon, reinforcing the need for preparedness and resiliency planning in the face of seismic hazards.

At Winterbrook Planning, we recognize the role that land use planning plays in reducing disaster risk. Our work with cities, counties, and agencies across Oregon has helped create a framework of comprehensive plans, urban growth boundaries, and development codes that both accommodate public needs and enhance community resilience. Some of our efforts have included:

• Assisting multiple school districts (ex: Warrenton and Seaside) in relocating facilities out of tsunami and flood hazard areas.
• Providing a successful permitting path for public infrastructure and energy facility upgrades.
• Helping prepare a site for the continuance of state government functions in the event of a Cascadia earthquake.
• Enabling the resilient design of a critical coastal hospital.
• Supporting jurisdictions in strengthening urban and rural wildfire protection programs.

Our ongoing commitment to hazard mitigation and disaster preparedness continues to shape safer, more sustainable communities. Throughout February, we will be sharing more examples of resiliency projects we have done throughout the region, highlighting the ways in which proactive planning helps communities prepare for and recover from natural disasters.

Stay tuned!

Columbia Memorial Hospital

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), in collaboration with the Interagency Hazard Mitigation Team (IHMT), is working throughout February to raise awareness of earthquake and tsunami risks. This includes providing resources on seismic strengthening, local tsunami evacuation routes, and risk reduction strategies.

Resources:

• Tips for Earthquake Preparedness
• What to Do If You’re Driving When an Earthquake Hits
• How to Prepare for Tsunamis and Help Your Community Become More Prepared
• Be2Weeks Ready Toolkit
• Learn About the Cascadia Subduction Zone Hazards and Preparedness
• Learn About Cascadia Island Mapping
• Oregon’s Tsunami Inundation Map (TIM) Series