- Subduction zone earthquakes occur every 300 to 600 years. Given the fact that Oregon lies on the Cascadian Subduction Zone and the fact that the most recent earthquake of this type struck 300 years ago, Oregonians and their property may be due any day for some serious damage.
- Each year, severe storms bring with them the all-too-real threat of flooding. Oregonians and their homes are victims to flooding and flash flooding. According to the NorthwestRiverForecastCenter, “more people die in flood-related events than from any other natural disasters.”
- Much of the state of Oregon is rural, and residents in these areas are highly likely to sustain devastating wildfires.
Severe winter conditions, intense and heavy rains, mudslides, coastal erosion, flooding, high winds and earthquakes (both above ground and under the ocean) - these are just some of the conditions and subsequent natural disasters that may occur (sometimes frequently) along the Oregon coastline. Residents of Oregon must learn to live with these conditions and be prepared for the financial, medical, and structural repercussions that may ensue as a result.
North Americans learned of the tragic consequences from an undetected tsunami when a powerful one struck over two years ago in the Indian Ocean. Although warning systems in place in the United States are sophisticated enough so that residents have adequate time to evacuate, this doesn't immunize Oregon residents and their property from an equally powerful tsunami. The Cascadia Subduction Zone, a fault that extends almost 700 miles and runs 50 miles off the coast of the Oregon, may be gearing up for another massive shift, making the occurrence of a tsunami an all-too real possibility. It has now been 305 years since one of these shifts has occurred and, historically, major quakes happen in 300-year intervals. According to one marine geologist in the area, "we might be due [for another tsunami] just about any day."
The biggest mistake you can make is to do nothing at all; Oregon residents need to prepare for these and other natural disasters by ensuring the right home insurance policy is in place. Hundreds of insurance companies, many of which are disreputable, sell homeowners insurance in Oregon. It's difficult not only to differentiate the legitimate companies from the illegitimate, but it can be difficult for Oregon consumers to find the right policy at the lowest possible price. At insurehome.net, you can find the lowest real-time insurance quotes in Oregon.
