Disaster Preparedness Class Returns for Winter

Disaster Preparedness

For the Pacific Northwest | with Jim Kusz

In 2015 the New Yorker published a cover story, “The Really Big One,” that detailed the risks to the West Coast of the Cascadia Subduction Zone. The risks of a “Cascadia Event” and the tsunami it would/will cause, were laid plain in stark, sobering language. As a result, attendance in this Disaster Preparedness class, already a popular recurring course in OCCC’s Community Education program, ballooned. Sellout crowds gathered to hear Jim Kusz, at the time a Captain with North Lincoln Fire & Rescue, explain how to craft appropriate “go kits” for home and autos, and how to be prepared to ride out the earthquake, tsumani, and the days and weeks of isolation that would likely follow.

Many of these students were surprised when each class began with the same refrain from Capt. Kusz: “It’s great you’re here, whatever the reason. And the wildland fire is going to get us long before the tsunami will.” 

In fact, some of those who evacuated from the Echo Mountain Complex Fires last summer did so in cars equipped with “go bags” inspired by their participation in Capt. Kusz’s class. This winter, OCCC is pleased to return this course – the most-attended class in the history of the Community Education program at OCCC – via Zoom. The class summarizes some of the fundamental risks that threaten to strike the Northwest at any time, and Kusz delivers the content in a casual, friendly manner. The class isn’t about fear or panic; it’s about confidence and preparedness.

$15 | Live Via Zoom
3:30-5pm Tuesday & Thursday, Feb. 2 & 4
Register Here