HomeMy WebLinkAbout060116_Press Release - Cascade Rising
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 1, 2016
City of Renton contacts:
Preeti Shridhar, Deputy Public Affairs Administrator, 425-430-6569
Mindi Mattson, Emergency Management Coordinator, 425-430-7041
Are we ready for the “big one?” City of Renton will participate in Cascade Rising
exercise in June to prepare for major earthquake
Renton, WA: The City of Renton will join jurisdictions across the Pacific Northwest and participate in
Cascadia Rising, a full scale response exercise, to prepare for a 9.0 magnitude earthquake. The city will
activate its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) for the event on June 7 and 8.
“We continue to be warned that this region will likely be hit by a devastating earthquake someday,
with the potential to be the worst this nation has ever experienced. The city’s participation in this
exercise will strengthen relationships with our regional partners,” said Renton Mayor Denis Law. “If we
ever suffer a catastrophe of this magnitude, it will be absolutely critical that we’re prepared to work
together.”
Cascade Rising 2016 is a full scale exercise that will simulate a response to a major earthquake along
the Cascadia Subduction Zone fault which runs from Vancouver Island to Northern California. Involved
in the response will be the Washington National Guard, FEMA (Federal Emergency Management
Agency), State of Washington, King County and local county and city governments.
As part of the exercise elements of the Washington National Guard will establish their camp at the
southern end of Renton Municipal Airport from June 5-11. Residents will also see military ground
traffic, airplane and helicopter flights to and from the airport.
City staff have been preparing response scenarios and receiving EOC training for 18 months. Fourteen
regional core capabilities will be tested: operational communications, public health and medical
services, mass care services, situational assessment, critical transportation, operational coordination,
public information and warning, infrastructure systems, incident action planning, public/private
services and resource management, search and rescue operations, fatality management, environment
response/health and safety and on-scene security and protection.
NOTE: This practice event will not disrupt the normal flow of traffic and have no impact on residents'
activities or travel plans.
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About the City of Renton
The City of Renton, Washington is located on the southeast shore of Lake Washington with a population just over
100,000. Renton's strong economic base, diverse marketplace and favorable business climate have attracted the
attention of nationally recognized companies that are looking to provide employees and their families with an
outstanding quality of life. It is the home of Boeing, IKEA, the Seattle Seahawks, and the eternal resting place of
Jimi Hendrix. More information can be found at rentonwa.gov.
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