Takeaways from the 8.0 earthquake simulator in Seattle's Westlake Center

Tuesday morning, dozens of people in downtown Seattle felt what it’s like to experience an 8.0 Magnitude Earthquake.

The City of Seattle teamed up with Ready America to bring the Big Shaker simulator to Westlake Center, and there are lessons everyone in Western Washington can take away.

“Welcome to Seattle, it can happen,” said Ready America CEO Dean Reese as he prepped people for the shaking. "So you need to be prepared.”

“Get people to keep in mind we have an earthquake risk here in Seattle,” said Matt Auflick with the City of Seattle office of Emergency Management.  “It's not if, but it's really when we have the next big one.”

The Big Shaker is a trailer set up like a family room on the inside.  People sit on the couch as the simulator shakes for seven seconds knocking plastic items off of shelves to simulate what could fall in your living room.

“Makes me want to go home and strap down all my shelves,” said Colleen Anderson who experienced the simulator.  “And rethink how I'm placing everything on the walls.”

While the simulator shook for seven seconds, the Nisqually Quake of 2001 shook for about 45 seconds.  The 6.8 Magnitude Quake caused more than 400 injuries in Western Washington.  Emergency personnel stress everyone in Western Washington needs enough water, food, and medications to last 7 to 10 days on your own.

The city has helpful tips and information at seattle.gov/emergency

Cox Media Group