- Scientists are closely watching the more than dozen volcanoes that dot the surface of Washington, Oregon, and Northern California, including Mount St. Helens, which continually erupted between 1980 and 1986. Although the famous volcano is asleep, no one knows for sure when it will awaken.
- For almost half the year, Washington’s mountain areas are in “avalanche season” and for parts of the Cascades and Olympic Mountains, this season extends throughout the whole year. Washingtonians living in the backcountry experience the most property damage from avalanches.
- Subduction zone earthquakes occur every 300 to 600 years. Given the fact that Washington lies on the Cascadian Subduction Zone and the fact that the most recent earthquake of this type struck 300 years ago, Washingtonians and their property may be due any day for some serious damage.
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 Washington coastline. Residents of Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington, 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; Washington 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 Washington. It's difficult not only to differentiate the legitimate companies from the illegitimate, but it can be difficult for Washington consumers to find the right policy at the lowest possible price. At insurehome.net, you can find the lowest real-time insurance quotes in Washington.
