Submitted by Lewis County Division of Emergency Management
In June, the Lewis County Division of Emergency Management (DEM) will lead the local Cascadia Rising exercise, a discussion-based activity to address the recovery phase 96 hours after a hypothetical 9.0 earthquake hits the Pacific Northwest. Federal, state, and local jurisdictions throughout the Northwest will also be participating in the regional Cascadia Rising event.
“I don’t know that people realize the damage that would be caused from an earthquake of this magnitude,” said DEM Deputy Director Ross McDowell. “These exercises will provide our community the needed information to make plans for this type of disaster—which experts say is likely to happen in the next 50 years.”
This event requires registration, is broadly open to the public, and will include attendance from fire districts, first responders, and other organizations throughout Lewis County. Damage projections for bridges and roadway infrastructure indicate that isolation areas will be created within Lewis County. Therefore, it is preferred that citizens attend the community event closest to their home, or place of work, in order to get the most benefit from the exercise.
“Anybody that would like to participate in the exercise, be a part of your own community’s emergency preparedness discussion, or is just curious, should attend one of these events,” said DEM Emergency Planner Erika Katt.
Those interested in attending should register for just one of the local events, as the same scenario and discussion topics will be presented each of the following days, all beginning at 3 p.m.
- June 13: Baw Faw Grange – 995 Boistfort Rd, Curtis
- June 14: The Salvation Army, 303 N Gold St, Centralia
- June 15: Winlock Senior Center, 119 SW Kerron St, Winlock
- June 16: Bob Lyle Building – 700 Main Ave, Morton
To register for one of these exercises, please click here or scan the QR code on the community flyers seen around town.
