Officials Promote Emergency Planning Nationwide
Officials Promote Emergency Planning Nationwide
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Jasper County Emergency Management Director Jamey Robinson said responders could be tied up during a large-scale disaster, making household self-reliance especially important during the first 72 hours. Jasper County’s emergency-management program was also named Iowa’s 2025 Emergency Management Program of the Year for advances in community protection, public education and integrated preparedness.
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Oklahoma’s preparedness guidance specifically recommends listing essential service providers and at least one out-of-state emergency contact, sharing copies of the communication plan with everyone in the household, and identifying multiple evacuation routes and a designated meeting place.
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Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready urged residents to keep brush and firewood away from their homes in addition to maintaining working smoke detectors and having a fire extinguisher available.
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The Cascadia Subduction Zone’s last major earthquake occurred on Jan. 26, 1700, and researchers estimate it reached magnitude 9.0; historical evidence includes Japanese geological records and Native American accounts. Scientists have identified roughly 43 major Cascadia earthquakes over the past 10,000 years.
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A Cascadia megathrust earthquake could produce shaking lasting as long as seven minutes and extending several miles inland, in addition to generating a coastal tsunami potentially reaching 100 feet.
Officials in Iowa, Oklahoma, Ohio, and Oregon are urging residents to prepare for disasters before severe weather, fires, or other emergencies strike. Pagosa Springs Sun reports that September is National Preparedness Month, a time to create family emergency plans and stock essential supplies like water, food, medications, and flashlights. Experts stress that households should be ready to survive at least 72 hours without help from first responders, who may be overwhelmed during large-scale disasters.
In Iowa, Jasper County's Emergency Management Director Jamey Robinson emphasized that self-reliance during the first three days is critical. News Miner notes that the 72-hour preparation standard is central to national preparedness efforts. Jasper County's program was named Iowa's 2025 Emergency Management Program of the Year for its work in community protection and public education. Meanwhile, Oregon officials are warning residents about the Cascadia Subduction Zone, which could trigger a magnitude-9 earthquake and devastating tsunami.
What Every Household Should Stock
Families need to gather supplies now. Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for three days. Add nonperishable food, prescription medications, batteries, flashlights, and a first-aid kit. Include household-specific items like pet food, formula for infants, or medical equipment. Pagosa Springs Sun recommends checking that smoke detectors work and keeping a fire extinguisher accessible. These basics ensure your family can survive if help is delayed.
Create Plans and Practice Them
Having supplies is just the start. Families must establish communication and evacuation plans. Oklahoma's guidance recommends listing at least one out-of-state emergency contact everyone can reach. Identify multiple evacuation routes from your home and pick a meeting place if family members get separated. Rural Radio notes that disaster preparedness events help families learn how to execute these plans. Write down the plan and share it with everyone in your household so everyone knows what to do.
Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready also urged residents to clear brush and firewood away from homes to reduce fire risk. Practice your evacuation drill regularly so children and adults know exactly where to go. Enable emergency alerts on your phone. Pagosa Springs Sun recommends signing up for local Nixle alerts to get real-time emergency notifications. These steps take little time but can save lives.
Oregon Faces Unique Earthquake Threat
The Cascadia Subduction Zone poses an extraordinary risk to the Pacific Northwest. Scientists estimate the last major earthquake there occurred on January 26, 1700, and reached magnitude 9.0. Researchers have identified roughly 43 major Cascadia earthquakes over the past 10,000 years. A future megathrust earthquake could last as long as seven minutes and shake the ground several miles inland. KPIC notes that disaster fairs help communities prepare for these large-scale threats.
If a Cascadia earthquake strikes, a coastal tsunami could reach 100 feet high. The shaking and flooding could devastate communities across Oregon and Washington. Oregon officials stress that preparation is critical even though such an event may not happen tomorrow. Residents should understand the earthquake and tsunami risk, identify safe places in their homes, and practice drop-cover-hold-on drills. Family emergency plans must account for the possibility of being without power, water, or roads for weeks.
Why 72 Hours Is the Critical Window
Jamey Robinson, Jasper County Emergency Management Director, explained that during a large-scale disaster, first responders get tied up handling hundreds of emergencies at once. Police, fire, and ambulance services may be unreachable for days. Hospitals fill up. Grocery stores run out of food. Phone lines jam. Your family must be able to eat, drink, and manage basic health needs without outside help for at least three days. After 72 hours, emergency services usually begin restoring order and delivering aid.
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