Port Angeles Business Association

position Port Angeles as the premier place for business on the North Olympic Peninsula

Meeting Minutes

September 20, 2016

Meeting was called to order at 7:30am.  Guest speaker, Jim Buck, led the flag salute. Members observed a moment of silence in memory of PABA member, Gabe Rygaard.

Announcements:

Edna shared that “Arts & Draughts” is this weekend.  Her store is hosting several events: uke playing and a book signing.

George stated that the Clam Chowder Cookoff will be held on October 7 to benefit the Captain Joseph House.

Minutes:

Edna Petersen moved and Jack Glaubert seconded acceptance of the minutes for September 13. Motion carried.

Program

“When will the big one strike?”  Jim Buck presented a powerpoint entitled: “Predicted effects of the Cascadia Earthquake in Clallam County”.  He said a 9.2 quake would be felt for about 600 miles or from Northern California to Vancouver Island and would be 50 miles wide.  Lasting 6.5 minutes, it would generate a 40′ tsunami which would be 30′ high when it reaches Port Angeles in 70 minutes.

He touched on:

  1. Law enforcement and fire services:  48% of police facilities will be unusable.
  2. Highways and bridges:  80% of all roads will be damaged and all bridges will be down.
  3. Communications:  67% will need to be replaced.
  4. Schools:  All will suffer some damage.
  5. Hospitals and Nursing Homes:  93% will have to be evacuated. No senior living centers will remain.
  6. Utilities:  all will be damaged with water and sewage the most.
  7. Air Transportation:  Only Fairchild and Quilliyute will be usable.
  8. Damage Summary:  Bridges all down. Downtown will suffer liquification, Brick buildings will go first, followed by frame buildings. Land slides near Morse Creek will cut that area off.  County will be divided into 20 micro islands which will then be divided into 5 area commands.

“Will help by available?”  A brigade and troops should arrive within 72 hours.  Search and Rescue could take from 1 – 12 weeks.  An air bridge from the Midwest will need to use helicopters and parachutes.  Moses Lake will be likely staging area for supplies. (Only three helicopters will be available for this area.)  MASH units, water purification, police, fire, food and fuel will all be needed. (All family should have at least 72 hours of supplies on hand.)  Mr. Buck suggested that PABA might be a good place to study how to help businesses get back on their feet.  40% of them will never reopen.

Q & A Period

Most casualties will be from aftershocks (they could be as high as 8.8) and from falling glass, chimneys and walls.  Everyone should have access to a radio.  All families should have a plan as where to meet and whom to notify. (Cell towers will not be working.)

Andrew moved and Kaj seconded motion to extend meeting until 8:45am. Motion carried.

This area has had 42 large, measurable earthquakes in the last 10,000 years.  It is past due on another large one.  Families should plan to stay in and near their homes if they can.

“Cover and Hold”

Meeting adjourned at 8:47am.