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North End hazards

Rare, but major impact

Earthquake

The North End sits near the Seattle Fault, the South Whidbey Island Fault, and the Cascadia Subduction Zone. A big quake could damage bridges and ferry terminals and leave Kitsap County cut off for a while.

4-minute read · Reviewed October 2026

When the ground shakes

Don't run outside. Most injuries come from falling things and broken glass.

  1. Drop Get down on your hands and knees where you are.
  2. Cover Cover your head and neck. Get under a sturdy table if one is close.
  3. Hold on Hold on until the shaking stops.

On the shoreline? When the shaking stops, walk to high ground right away. Don't wait for an alert.

Before

  • Practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On in every room. October's One Hour a Month task is this.
  • Pack an under-the-bed bag: shoes, gloves, flashlight, whistle, spare glasses.
  • Do a home hazard hunt: strap the water heater and anchor tall furniture.
  • Get ShakeAlert on your phone (built into Android; MyShake app on iPhone).

After

Follow The First Hour: check your household, shut off gas only if you smell it or hear hissing, shut off the water main, put out your OK or HELP sign, and check in at your block's meeting spot. Expect aftershocks and stay out of damaged buildings.

Official links