Emergency Preparedness
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Planning ahead can help you and your family stay safe in an emergency. Here are 3 steps you can take to get prepared:
1) Develop a family communication plan 2) Make an emergency supply kit 3) Sign up for local emergency alerts and/or get a smartphone app to stay informed Sabin's Emergency Team
Sabin is forming an Neighborhood Emergency Team (NET) to help residents prepare for earthquakes and other emergencies. For more information, contact Deb Pleva at [email protected] or Courtney Brown at [email protected]. |
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Questions and Answers about emergency preparedness for Sabin residents
The following information is from Portland's Bureau of Emergency Management or PBEM:
Q: What kinds of hazards are most likely here in inner NE Portland?
A: Due to our location near tectonic fault lines, earthquakes are the most likely hazard. Other potential hazards are hazardous materials accidents and terrorism incidents.
Q: When is shelter the best response and when is evacuation the best response?
A: Evacuation is typically used when there is an impending hurricane or tornado, but those hazards are unlikely to occur here in Portland. After an earthquake, the most likely response will be sheltering in place. Still, it could be helpful to keep a mini-emergency kit in your car, in case of a hazardous materials accident or some other kind of incident where evacuation is recommended.
Q: For those who work downtown, which bridges are most likely to survive and earthquake? What can parents do to prepare for a situation where they are stuck on the other side of the river?
A: The new Tilikum Crossing (expected to open in September 2015) and the new Sellwood Bridge (expected to open in January 2016) are designed to meet high seismic standards. That said, there is no guarantee that these bridges will be left standing after a major earthquake. For parents working on the other side of the river, it's wise to identify a trusted neighbor who can be responsible for taking care of the kids.
Q: How secure are the two water tower structures on Alameda Ridge? What would happen if they fell over in an earthquake?
A: The tower supported on legs is empty and is no longer used, except to provide an elevated location for cellular phone antennae. The other structure has a ground-supported tank at the base with an upper tank directly above it, and it is still in service. This reservoir was built in 1962, and is no longer in conformance with requirements for new construction. However, a recent evaluation showed that the tank is expected to perform fairly well in a seismic event, and is unlikely to experience a major failure.
Q: What would happen to our water supply in the event of an earthquake?
A: It is likely that our water supply would be compromised. The best way to prepare is to store water in your home or garage. You can use your water heater as a storage tank for use in emergencies, unless you have a tankless water heater. Five-gallon bottles of water are another good option.
Q: If the telecommunication infrastructure is disabled, how would we get news or seek help?
A: If a major earthquake knocks out our communication system, you can go to the nearest BEECN (Basic Earthquake Emergency Communication Node) which is located at Irvington School, on NE 13th and Brazee. Each BEECN site will have resources such as water and first aid. You will be able to report severe damage and injuries there.
Q: What is Portland doing to prepare for earthquakes and other hazards? Are there plans and, if so, can I see the plans?
A: Portland has several different types of emergency plans and risk reduction strategies, which you can access on the Planning page of the PBEM website.
Q: Where can I get more information about potential hazards and how to prepare for them?
A: The Hazards page of the PBEM website has a wealth of information about potential hazards and how you can prepare for them.
The following information is from Portland's Bureau of Emergency Management or PBEM:
Q: What kinds of hazards are most likely here in inner NE Portland?
A: Due to our location near tectonic fault lines, earthquakes are the most likely hazard. Other potential hazards are hazardous materials accidents and terrorism incidents.
Q: When is shelter the best response and when is evacuation the best response?
A: Evacuation is typically used when there is an impending hurricane or tornado, but those hazards are unlikely to occur here in Portland. After an earthquake, the most likely response will be sheltering in place. Still, it could be helpful to keep a mini-emergency kit in your car, in case of a hazardous materials accident or some other kind of incident where evacuation is recommended.
Q: For those who work downtown, which bridges are most likely to survive and earthquake? What can parents do to prepare for a situation where they are stuck on the other side of the river?
A: The new Tilikum Crossing (expected to open in September 2015) and the new Sellwood Bridge (expected to open in January 2016) are designed to meet high seismic standards. That said, there is no guarantee that these bridges will be left standing after a major earthquake. For parents working on the other side of the river, it's wise to identify a trusted neighbor who can be responsible for taking care of the kids.
Q: How secure are the two water tower structures on Alameda Ridge? What would happen if they fell over in an earthquake?
A: The tower supported on legs is empty and is no longer used, except to provide an elevated location for cellular phone antennae. The other structure has a ground-supported tank at the base with an upper tank directly above it, and it is still in service. This reservoir was built in 1962, and is no longer in conformance with requirements for new construction. However, a recent evaluation showed that the tank is expected to perform fairly well in a seismic event, and is unlikely to experience a major failure.
Q: What would happen to our water supply in the event of an earthquake?
A: It is likely that our water supply would be compromised. The best way to prepare is to store water in your home or garage. You can use your water heater as a storage tank for use in emergencies, unless you have a tankless water heater. Five-gallon bottles of water are another good option.
Q: If the telecommunication infrastructure is disabled, how would we get news or seek help?
A: If a major earthquake knocks out our communication system, you can go to the nearest BEECN (Basic Earthquake Emergency Communication Node) which is located at Irvington School, on NE 13th and Brazee. Each BEECN site will have resources such as water and first aid. You will be able to report severe damage and injuries there.
Q: What is Portland doing to prepare for earthquakes and other hazards? Are there plans and, if so, can I see the plans?
A: Portland has several different types of emergency plans and risk reduction strategies, which you can access on the Planning page of the PBEM website.
Q: Where can I get more information about potential hazards and how to prepare for them?
A: The Hazards page of the PBEM website has a wealth of information about potential hazards and how you can prepare for them.
