WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – If you weren’t here to experience the Nisqually ‘quake in 2001, the reality of a devasting earthquake may seem remote. However, there is an 85% chance* of a similar magnitude quake here within the next 50 years.

The minute-long 6.8 Nisqually quake 25 years ago centered in southwest Washington, so our county did not experience the damage that others did. Damages statewide totaled $1 billion. Locally, several buildings lost brick facades – and the community lost its apathy. For a while.

This year there have been 17 earthquakes of at least magnitude 2.5 throughout the state, including a 3.8 shaker near Oak Harbor in July (and 4.2 near Gig Harbor in September.)

Despite that activity, many of us are not prepared for the consequences of another Nisqually quake, which would likely rupture water and sewer lines, disrupt power, damage older buildings and take out roads or bridges.

Which means, we will need to be prepared to take care of our own needs, likely for several days. Emergency managers advise being Two Weeks Ready™ with food, water, medicine, pet supplies and clothing, in case you’re on your own before help can arrive. Using the Prepare in a Year™ guide, you can get ready in about an hour a month.

If that seems like a lot, there’s one easy step you can take right now: register to participate in the annual Drop, Cover and Hold On drill at 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15. Practicing what to do – during the Great ShakeOut, but also in all the places you spend time – will help ensure you can act quickly to be as safe as possible when an earthquake hits.

The basics are simple: drop to the ground and curl up, protecting your neck; if there’s a desk or table nearby, get underneath it; then, hold on until shaking stops. Then wait a bit to assess the damage around you.

If you weren’t here for the 2001 Nisqually quake, odds are you’ll be here for the next one. Now’s the time to prepare.

*Per the Washington State Emergency Management Division (2026)

 

Amy Cloud is the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management.  She was born and raised locally, leaving for Whitman College and work in Seattle, Knoxville and Washington, D.C. She returned to work as Supervising News Producer and reporter for KVOS-TV’s NewsView before switching to communications for WWU, PeaceHealth and the City of Bellingham. She also co-chairs the Community PIO Group and is a member of the Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues.