Mitigating Fire Hazards After Earthquakes in Portland, OR

Earthquakes. Even the smaller ones can be unsettling, rattling our nerves and our belongings. While “the Big One” is always a looming concern in the Pacific Northwest, it’s the more frequent, smaller earthquakes that often catch us off guard.

And while we might think about falling objects during the shaking, a less obvious danger lurks: fire. Knowing how earthquakes, even smaller ones, can impact fire safety, and what steps to take after the shaking stops, is crucial for protecting your home and family.

woman practicing fire extinguisher usage

How Earthquakes Cause Fires

Even a moderate earthquake can create fire hazards you might not immediately consider:

  • Gas Lines: Shaking can loosen or damage gas lines, leading to leaks. While a major rupture is less likely in a smaller quake, even a small leak can be dangerous. Natural gas is odorless, so gas companies add mercaptan, a sulfur-like odorant, to make leaks detectable. Familiarize yourself with this smell. Even a small gas leak can pose a significant fire hazard, especially in enclosed spaces.
  • Appliances: Think about your water heater, your stove, even your toaster. These things can shift and fall during an earthquake, potentially igniting nearby flammable materials. Water heaters, in particular, are a common culprit in post-earthquake fires. In a study conducted after the 1994 Northridge earthquake, researchers found that water heater failures were responsible for a significant portion of the fires.
  • Electrical Wiring: Wiring can get jostled during a quake, leading to shorts and sparks. This is especially true in older homes with outdated wiring. Aluminum wiring, common in some older homes, is particularly prone to these issues. The Oregon Building Codes Division estimates that approximately 160,000 homes in Portland were built before 1974, when aluminum wiring was still prevalent.
  • Sprinkler Systems: While sprinkler systems are designed to protect us from fire, a quake can damage them, causing them to malfunction. Sometimes, they might even go off accidentally, causing water damage. Check for leaks or visibly damaged sprinkler heads.

What to Do After an Earthquake

The immediate aftermath of an earthquake is critical. Here’s what you should do to ensure fire safety:

  • Sniff Around: The first thing you should do is check for the smell of gas. If you smell gas, do not use any electrical devices, lighters, or open flames. Get everyone outside immediately and call the gas company from a safe location. Do not re-enter the building until the gas company has given you the all-clear.
  • Check Your Appliances: Carefully inspect your appliances for any signs of damage. Look for tipped-over appliances, frayed cords, or anything that looks out of place. If you see something suspicious, don’t use the appliance until it’s been checked by a professional. Pay special attention to water heaters, as they can cause significant damage and fires if they tip over.
  • Check Wiring: Inspect your electrical wiring for damage. Look for frayed wires, loose connections, or any other signs of trouble. If you see anything that concerns you, don’t use that circuit until it’s been inspected by a licensed electrician. Use a flashlight; don’t light matches or lighters.
  • Sprinkler System Check: Check your sprinkler system for any visible damage. Look for leaks, broken heads, or anything that seems amiss. If you suspect a problem, contact a fire protection professional.
  • Fire Extinguisher Ready: Make sure all your employees know where your fire extinguisher is and how to use it. Even if you don’t see any signs of fire, it’s good to have it handy just in case. Remember the PASS method: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the lever, Sweep from side to side.
  • Stay Informed: Listen to the radio (e.g., local stations like KGW, KATU) or check reliable online sources (e.g., the City of Portland’s website, Ready.gov) for updates and safety information from local authorities. Be aware of potential aftershocks. Have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio on hand in case of power outages.

Prevention is Key: Preparing Your Business for Earthquake Fire Safety

The best way to deal with a fire after an earthquake is to prevent it in the first place. Here are some proactive steps you can take:

  • Secure Your Stuff: Strap down your water heater (consider professional installation of earthquake straps), secure your appliances, and anchor tall furniture to the walls. This will help prevent them from falling over and causing damage. Use flexible gas connectors for appliances to reduce the risk of gas leaks.
  • Gas Line Smarts: Know where your gas shut-off valve is and how to turn it off. This could be crucial in the event of a gas leak. Mark the location of the valve clearly.
  • Electrical Upgrades: If your building has older wiring, especially aluminum wiring, consider upgrading it to copper wiring. This can significantly reduce the risk of electrical shorts and fires.
  • Sprinkler System Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain your sprinkler system to ensure it’s in good working order. Have a qualified fire protection company inspect your system annually.
  • Fire Extinguisher Essentials: Make sure you have enough fire extinguishers in the building (at least one on each floor) and that everyone knows how to use them. Consider different types of extinguishers for different types of fires (e.g., Class ABC for general use, Class K for kitchen fires).
  • Create an Emergency Kit: Include a flashlight, batteries, first-aid kit, food, water, and a whistle in your kit. Keep it in an easily accessible location. Ready.gov offers a comprehensive emergency kit checklist.

The Cost of Disaster: Earthquake and Fire Damage in Oregon

Earthquakes and the fires that follow can cause devastating property damage. According to the Insurance Information Institute, insured losses from earthquakes in the US have totaled billions of dollars over the years.

  • Oregon’s Risk: Oregon is the third most earthquake-prone state in the US, with a significant portion of the state at risk of experiencing a major earthquake.
  • Potential Losses: A 2013 study by Oregon State University estimated that a magnitude 9.0 earthquake on the Cascadia Subduction Zone could result in over $32 billion in building-related economic losses in Oregon alone.
  • Fire’s Role: While specific figures for fire damage following earthquakes are harder to isolate, the experience of events like the Kobe earthquake, where fires significantly worsened the overall destruction, makes it clear that the risk is substantial. The Pacific Northwest Seismic Network provides detailed information about earthquake risks and history in the region.

United Fire: Your Partner in Earthquake and Fire Safety

United Fire is here to help you prepare for the unexpected. We offer a range of fire protection services, from fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems to fire alarms and emergency lighting. We can help you assess your risk and develop a comprehensive fire safety plan that takes into account the potential dangers of earthquakes.

Contact us today for a consultation. Don’t wait until it’s too late – get prepared now. Call [phone_link] or contact us online for fast, professional fire safety services in the Portland, OR area.