With a megathrust earthquake in the Pacific Northwest looming in the next 50 years, Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) has joined the governor, members of the healthcare industry, utilities, and universities, and other businesses and organizations to advocate for an a statewide investment of $7.5 million in ShakeAlert, an earthquake early warning system. 

The funding request, packaged in SB 1537, is accompanied by a comprehensive policy to address overall emergency preparedness related to a natural disaster including, a campaign to  ensure Oregonians have two weeks of supplies ready; safety assessments on high-risk dams for seismic updates and upgrades; and updates to Oregon’s resilience plan and coastal resilience plan. The overall package seeks a $12.7 million investment for implementation.

In a committee hearing last week, Governor Kate Brown said of ShakeAlert, “this will give Oregonians precious seconds to duck, cover, and hold.” She further explained, “we’re the only state on the West Coast without it. Every second of warning can save lives.”

ShakeAlert detects significant earthquakes and has the ability to notify users in advance of the shake, allowing a valuable up to 30 seconds for individuals to take live-saving, preventative measures and for first responders to take critical steps to deploy teams quickly after the shake. The system can also trigger reactions in key infrastructure, such as shutting down power to prevent fire shutting down valves to preserve drinking water, and preparing hospitals to star generators after the shake.

In her testimony, Brown noted, “the package is about saving lives, protecting Oregon’s critical infrastructure, and preparing our communities across the state before a catastrophic event occurs.”

The bill passed unanimously out of the Senate committee on general government and emergency preparedness, and now awaits further consideration in the joint committee on ways and means.

To view AOC’s testimony, click here.

Contributed by: Megan Chuinard | Public Affairs Associate