Washington ShakeOut

For any recent followers: Hi, we're @WaShakeOut - an account run by @WaEMD's geologic hazards and preparedness team to share information about Washington's geologic hazards (especially earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes), and what YOU can do to be safe when they occur!

Interested in learning more about the 2011 Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami? Find a range of book recommendations in our blog post from the 10-year anniversary: mil.wa.gov/news/learning-…

Because it’s not a matter of if Washington will experience a similar earthquake and tsunami — it’s a matter of when. To learn more about tsunami risk reduction efforts in Washington, check out mil.wa.gov/tsunami.

March 11, 2026 marks the 15th anniversary of the 2011 Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami. The majority of the 19,700+ people who lost their lives perished in the catastrophic tsunami generated by a magnitude 9.1 earthquake off Japan’s northeast coast. 🧵

Saturday is officially Nisqually Earthquake Remembrance Day, as designated by @GovBobFerguson 🗓️25 years since the Feb. 28, 2001 earthquake. We encourage you to talk with your family about our state's earthquakes. Learn the risks and what to do at mil.wa.gov/earthquake

They've got a got of good tips for you! If you want to learn more about their stories and hear more preparedness tips, find the full interviews at: youtube.com/playlist?list=… Thanks to the team for sharing stories, and conducting the interviews!

We asked @waEMD emergency managers: Having been through the Nisqually Quake, what do you recommend about #earthquake preparedness in Washington? Here are some of the highlights of their advice! Please feel free to comment with something you learned, too!

Large TVs can easily tip or fall during an earthquake, causing costly damage and serious injury. #SecureYourSpace this New Year by using straps or a wall mount to keep yours in place. Save up to 30% on supplies through our partners: EarthquakeCountry.org/SecureNewYear

Happening Thursday!

This Saturday marks 25 years since the Magnitude 6.8 Nisqually earthquake. Check out some of the events and resources groups like @PNSN1, @waDNR, and @waEMD are sharing to help us all learn more about earthquake safety. mil.wa.gov/news/rememberi…

Do you remember the Nisqually Earthquake Anniversary? @waEMD staff does! Hear their stories of what they remember and then, we want to hear your story – please share below! Watch all the interviews at youtube.com/playlist?list=…

It's been 25 years since the Nisqually earthquake—are we ready for the next one? Join us at UW next week (Tuesday, Feb 24) for a conversation and Q&A with local experts about earthquake science, policy, & preparedness in the PNW. Register here to attend: eventbrite.com/e/25-years-sin…

Today marks 326 years since the last #earthquake and #tsunami on the Cascadia Subduction Zone. Our Hazards and Outreach Team experts take a moment to remind you about the hazard, but *most importantly* share what you can do to prepare for the next ones. youtu.be/tTC6FRcr0Gg?si…

This Saturday it’s time for the 12s to bring the energy! We're excited to announce that PNSN will be monitoring @LumenField as the @Seahawks host the 49ers in the 2026 @NFL Playoffs! Follow along at pnsn.org for details and live seismograms during the game.

There’s downed power outages all over our state. If you see a downed power line, move away from it and anything touching it. Keep 35 feet away. You can’t tell if a power line is energized by looking at it. Call 911 if there’s danger. Call your utility to report the line. #wawx

2) False alerts happen sometimes, but they're incredibly rare compared to real alerts. It is always best to treat an alert as if it's real, and #DropCoverHoldOn appropriately for your situation. If there doesn't end up being an earthquake? You got practice, which is valuable!

For a couple of quick reminders: 1) In Washington, we also have access to the #ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning system, which can give you seconds of warning before #earthquake shaking arrives. Visit mil.wa.gov/alerts for more details on how to find it on your phone!

Planning an earthquake drill later this year or already held one? You can still be part of the 2025 Great #ShakeOut count of participants. Register at ShakeOut.org/register so your activity is included.

Consider emergency preparedness themed gift ideas this holiday season. We’ll share a handful of ideas this week. You may have difficulty using your phone in an emergency. A basic two-way radio helps maintain communication between nearby family members at home and when you travel.

Happy (almost) Thanksgiving! When you’re with family, it’s a great chance to talk about what you would do in a disaster, where you would meet, set out-of-area contacts. Learn more at mil.wa.gov/plan