Ursula: Tuesday’s earthquake is a reminder to prepare for ‘the big one’

Tuesday’s 4.2 magnitude earthquake near Gig Harbor was not “the big one.” No major damage, no injuries. But it was one of the larger earthquakes Washington has had in the past decade.

We are foolish if we don’t use this quake as our reminder. And I’m starting with myself.

We know a major earthquake is coming to the Pacific Northwest eventually. We just don’t know when.

And yet most of us still live like it’s somebody else’s problem.

We assume the water will run. The power will come back quickly. The neighborhood grocery store will be open. The roads will be passable. Somebody will come help us.

In a truly major earthquake, some of those systems could be down for days or even weeks.

So maybe yesterday’s quake was exactly the warning we needed, without the catastrophe.

Check your water and food. Make sure you have medications, flashlights, batteries, cash, pet supplies, and a way to charge your phone. Know how to shut off your water and gas, and have a family communication plan.

Emergency officials told us to be prepared to take care of ourselves for up to two weeks.

We know the risk is real. Yesterday was our reminder to stop gambling that we’ll somehow be fine when the big one hits. It’s time to get ready now.

Listen to Gee and Ursula on “The Gee and Ursula Show” weekday mornings from 9 am to 12 pm on KIRO Newsradio.

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