Earthquake and tsunami planning for FEMA starting

In terms of expected earthquakes, the Cascadia fault line,  off the coast of Del Norte, is “nine months pregnant,” experts say.

Historically, geologists say Cascadia earthquakes of magnitude 8 or larger happen every 240 years. The last one was 311 years ago, Yumei Wang, an Oregon-based earthquake analyst and expert, told the New York Times.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is implementing a two-year plan to help California counties develop an Earthquake & Tsunami Response Plan for the West Coast. Planning starts locally Tuesday.

“It’s something we want to get ready for, especially after what we’ve seen in Japan,” said Cindy Henderson, emergency services manager for Del Norte County.

Henderson said the state originally planned to implement the same emergency plans for counties statewide, not realizing the differences in remote counties like Del Norte.

“They had no idea that most of our hotels are in the tsunami zone,” Henderson said.

On Tuesday, stakeholders for emergency support functions (including agencies in public safety, medical services, communications, transportation and public works)  will  hold simultaneous meetings using video-conferencing in Del Norte, Humboldt and Mendocino counties.

The state will present an overview of the hazards presented by a Cascadia earthquake and resulting tsunami, then attendants will discuss future planning for what is necessary in the case of an emergency, including disaster communications, emergency operations center management, an upcoming “Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster” seminar, and public information officer/joint information center training.

Citizens interested in helping prepare for disasters could join a Voluntary Organization Active in Disaster group,  Henderson said.  Associations of VOADs, non-profit organizations that help during disasters, are set up nationwide to coordinate efforts in the wake of a disaster.

To join a VOAD, contact Henderson at 707-954-8775.

On Thursday, Gov. Jerry Brown released the first draft of the 2012–13 state budget, which would reduce the California Emergency Management Agency to an office that reports to the governor.

“(CalEMA is) calling every county to make sure they're not panicking,” Henderson said. “They’re going to move their offices under the governor’s office but our county won’t have to worry about it.”

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