In the advent of a major disaster, for example a large Cascadia Fault earthquake and resultant tsunami’s, the Oregon Resilience Plan recommends preparing for several months without food, water, sewer, and power.  Coastal areas may be without power for 3 – 6 months, and up to 3 years without municipal water or sewer systems. Be prepared for non-existent fuel supplies, and roadways being unusable for many months to years.

Severe earthquakes can cause significant structural damage to homes.  Aftershocks can make it unsafe to stay with the structure.  It is recommended to be able to camp outside your home for up to a week after a major earthquake.

The following information from the Emergency Volunteer Corp of Nehalem Bay (EVCNB) on camping at home may be useful:  https://evcnb.org/camping-at-home

Camping at Home

Major earthquakes, such as Cascadia which threatens the Oregon Coast, can cause considerable damage to structures. Significant aftershocks continue for several days following a major earthquake and can cause additional damage to weakened structures. It is advisable to shelter outside your home for at least seven days following a major earthquake to avoid injury caused by such things as collapsing structure, shifting furniture, or falling fixtures.

What Is Camping At Home?

Camping at Home is exactly what it sounds like – sheltering and sleeping outside your home for some period of time. It includes preparing food safely and eating outdoors. The types of disaster which would require Camping at Home also would likely cause major disruption to our water and sanitation services which means no water and no sewers (toilets).  Camping at Home means being prepared to access safe water, having effective and private outdoor sanitation options such as the two bucket system, and knowing how to practice proper hygiene.

Why Prepare For Camping At Home?

TIP: Check your gear and practice setting it up regularly. Keep it in a location that will be accessible after an earthquake. Some homes will be unsafe to occupy after the Cascadia earthquake and tsunami.  Some will be destroyed.  In general, no home will be safe to live in immediately after this major earthquake. Even if your house appears to survive the initial earthquake and tsunami, it may be made unsafe by multiple aftershocks. It is critical to plan for safe outdoor shelter for at least the first week following the initial earthquake to permit the aftershocks to diminish.

Sheltering at Home:

Sheltering at home means staying in your home if it is safe to do so.  It would be advisable to store items such as plastic tarps and plastic sheeting to make roof and window repairs in the advent they are damaged, and the necessary tools and roofing nails.  You may need to make temporary repairs to make it livable.  The same outdoor sanitation methods may be necessary.  The Two Bucket System is highly recommended.  This means having the buckets and liners in place before the emergency.