T211 Shaping a Sustainable Future with Geology in the Twenty-First Century: Geology and Society Division Turns 21

Tuesday, 24 September 2024
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
211B

GAP ANALYSIS AND NEXT STEPS FOR EARTHQUAKE, TSUNAMI, AND VOLCANO PREPAREDNESS OUTREACH IN WASHINGTON STATE

Paper number: T211-4
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 2:10 PM – 2:25 PM

Authors

  • Brian Terbush Presenting Author
    Washington Emergency Management Division, Camp Murray, WA

Abstract

Washington State is home to 5 active volcanoes, has the 2nd-highest earthquake risk in the United States, and more than 3,000 miles of coastline susceptible to tsunamis. Washington State Emergency Management Division (WA EMD) works closely with federal, state, local, and tribal partners in order to help Washington residents prepare for these hazards which will someday impact the state. Earthquakes, Tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions are high consequence events, with a low probability of occurring any given year. This makes it challenging for residents - many of whom have not even experienced any of these hazards of their impacts - to accurately perceive their risk and take mitigation actions. It is also difficult to keep these hazards in the consciousness of decision-makers who can pass legislation to help broader mitigation actions across the state.

Working with geology partners has greatly helped WA EMD reach a larger audience with important information about our major geologic hazards. Major outreach campaigns like The Great ShakeOut earthquake and tsunami drill, and proclaiming May "Volcano Awareness Month" reach millions of people in the state and beyond each year, with crucial information about personal protective actions, and steps people can take to mitigate the impacts of these hazards. However, despite these major efforts, we know we are still not reaching everyone, and need to continue working in order to shift behavior towards an overall culture of preparedness. WA EMD will share information gathered from these campaigns, and from working with our physical and social science partners, on where the largest gaps exist in preparedness and mitigation behaviors, and what actions we plan to take to fill those gaps, and make the State more resilient to future hazards.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 56, No. 5

doi: 10.1130/abs/2024AM-405161

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