On Wednesday, April 11, from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., over 60 public and private agencies throughout the region will be testing their emergency plans for a major earthquake. "The exercise, called MetroShake, has been in the planning stages for the past two years and represents one of the largest coordinated training opportunities since 1994. Some of the agencies participating include: Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue; Washington County; the cities of Portland, Tualatin, Beaverton, Wilsonville, and Oregon City; Beaverton School District; Providence St. Vincent Hospital, Washington County Consolidated Communications Center (911); Metro West Ambulance; PGE; NW Natural; and American Red Cross.

Playing off the same scenario that day – a 6.0 magnitude earthquake centered in Lake Oswego - agencies will activate their emergency operations centers and begin responding to the multitude of simulated emergencies. Exercise participants will deal with scenarios including: incidents with multiple patients, aftershocks, power outages, landslides blocking roads, fires, contaminated water, collapsed bridges – issues likely to happen after a real earthquake. (Note: With the exception of a few field exercises (see below), the majority of "emergencies" that day will be simulated via phone calls, portable radios, and faxes.)

"MetroShake is a great opportunity to test our emergency plans to ensure that we are ready to respond to any disaster," stated Karen Eubanks, Public Information Officer. She added, "In addition, because of the wide range of participants, it’s going to allow us to evaluate how effectively we work with other agencies and responders."

Following a major earthquake, the demand on emergency resources will be significant. Responders have no choice but to prioritize incidents. Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue’s first priority will be to respond to "incidents with confirmed multiple patients/victims and/or incidents with a high life-threatening potential".

Public and private agencies are not the only ones who need to prepare. Individuals and families should insure their own preparedness by developing a disaster plan, gathering emergency supplies, securing their home, having a communication plan, and learning how to shut off utilities. To help individuals learn more about preparing for an earthquake, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue is teaming up with its local Home Depot Stores on Saturday, April 21, and Sunday, April 22, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (see attached flyer). Local emergency managers and Home Depot representatives will be on hand at all stores to help shoppers choose the appropriate products to help safeguard their home against earthquakes. In addition, shoppers can attend free Earthquake Clinics (how to prepare a 72-hour kit, how to reduce the effect of an earthquake on your home, and evaluating your home and family’s needs before an earthquake). Individuals can also call Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue for a free booklet on disaster preparedness.

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