Earthquake-preparedness tips given at Sellwood workshop

Scientists predict a major Cascadia quake is likely within 50 years, so residents learn how to get ready

Apr. 6, 2026 at 7:00am by Ben Kaplan

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A recent earthquake preparedness workshop in Portland's Sellwood neighborhood focused on helping residents prepare for a major Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake, which scientists say has a 37% chance of occurring in the next 50 years. The workshop, led by local emergency preparedness expert Bob Burkholder, covered key steps people can take to get their homes and families ready, as well as the importance of connecting with neighbors to provide mutual aid when professional responders may be overwhelmed.

Why it matters

The Cascadia Subduction Zone is a major fault line off the Pacific Northwest coast that has the potential to generate a catastrophic megaquake. Experts warn that when the 'Big One' hits, traditional emergency services may be unavailable for some time, so individual and community preparedness is crucial for survival and recovery.

The details

At the Sellwood Community House workshop, Burkholder emphasized that residents should know how to safely shut off utilities, exit their homes, and connect with neighbors to provide mutual aid. He stressed that in the aftermath of a major quake, most early rescues will be performed by locals, not professional responders. The workshop covered a wide range of preparedness tips that attendees can access online through the local neighborhood association's emergency preparedness resources.

  • Scientists predict a 37% chance of a magnitude 7.1 to 9.0 earthquake along the Cascadia Subduction Zone within the next 50 years.
  • The earthquake preparedness workshop took place on April 6, 2026 in the Sellwood neighborhood of Portland, Oregon.

The players

Bob Burkholder

The Emergency Preparedness Committee Chair for the Sellwood and Westmoreland neighborhood association SMILE, who led the earthquake preparedness workshop.

SMILE

The Sellwood and Westmoreland neighborhood association that hosted the earthquake preparedness workshop.

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What they’re saying

“Even more than earthquake preparedness, tonight I'm sharing information about being prepared, generally for any kind of disaster.”

— Bob Burkholder, Emergency Preparedness Committee Chair

“A major 'take-away' from this workshop is for people to know that 'professional emergency responders' – like fire, police, and medical help – will likely NOT be available, for some time, after the disaster takes place.”

— Bob Burkholder, Emergency Preparedness Committee Chair

What’s next

The earthquake preparedness tips and educational materials presented at the workshop are available online through the SMILE neighborhood association's emergency preparedness resources.

The takeaway

This workshop highlights the critical importance of individual and community-level disaster preparedness, especially in earthquake-prone regions like the Pacific Northwest. By learning key skills and connecting with neighbors, residents can increase their chances of survival and recovery when the 'Big One' inevitably strikes.