Assessing Earthquake Preparedness in Southern Ellensburg

Because Ellensburg is situated in an area of moderate seismic risk, it is critical that the community is made aware of risks they face and utilize existing mitigation plans and strategies to best prepare themselves for a seismic event. As a class, we studied the earthquake hazard in Ellensburg, and assessed the degree to which the community and economy are vulnerable to a seismic hazard. We conducted a city-wide survey to ask the community about their earthquake knowledge and preparedness. Our sub-group was assigned to research the southern region of Ellensburg, covering between Water Street and Chestnut Street, and Capitol Avenue and East Umptanum Road. Using existing resources from the Kittitas County Planning Office, we extrapolated the county’s susceptibility data to our southern region of Ellensburg. We studied the liquefaction susceptibility of the soil in our region. Using these data, residential and commercial facilities were examined using Federal Emergency Management Agency rapid visual screening protocol. We found that residential buildings tended to score higher than commercial buildings. In addition, critical facilities in our region such as Lincoln Elementary and Kittitas Valley Community Hospital were asked about their existing earthquake plans. Based on any existing mitigation strategies these facilities had in place, as well as our own findings, we made recommendations on how to better prepare these facilities for a seismic event. These included expanding education efforts, as well as providing emergency kits to stakeholders.