The daily Astorian., November 06, 2015, Image 17

FRIDAYEXTRA !
The Daily Astorian
Friday, November 6, 2015
Weekend Edition
YOU
ARE
HERE
In case of tsunami, read this
I
By DANI PALMER
EO Media Group
n a coastal community like Cannon Beach, knowing where you are is im-
perative in case of an earthquake or tsunami.
For most residents, that isn’t a problem. But for the thousands of visitors
who swarm the coast each year, it’s good information.
Throughout Clatsop County, local agencies have been adding new signs or
stickers to existing signage pointing out, “You are here.”
Cannon Beach Public Works Director Dan Grassick said the city has made ref-
erence to landmark Haystack Rock in some of its maps to help visitors out.
Michaela Jackson, a visitor to the coast from Denver, said she has heard about
Oregon’s earthquake threat, but wouldn’t know where to go.
“I think a lot of people would just book it for the hills or follow the crowd,” she
said. “Some probably wouldn’t even realize the danger at all. I think the maps are
a good thing to pay attention to.”
‘Don’t stop running’
Cannon Beach began updating its evacuation route maps last year and is working
on deploying them now. They’ve been revised with 2013 Oregon Department of Ge-
RORJ\DQG0LQHUDO,QGXVWULHVÀRRGKD]DUGVWXG\LQIRUPDWLRQ
The revisions are minor, but take some areas out of the hazard zone. They’re not
based on “exact or hard science,” though, Grassick added. Tsunami waves could be
larger than predicted.
“You get as high and far as you can,” he said. “Don’t stop running. The further
you can get from the beach, the better and safer you’re going to be.”
In Tolovana Park, city staff have added four new signs to beach accesses
since last fall, along with upgraded staircases.
Those evacuation route maps aren’t only useful in case of an emergency, but add
a level of convenience for tourists and new residents.
“A lot of people use the maps for getting around town,” Grassick said
with a chuckle.
All 10 Cannon Beach tsunami evacuation pedestrian route maps
have been updated based on the latest information from the state
of Oregon. These maps can be downloaded from the city W eb
page, www.ci.cannon-beach.or.us/community/evacua-
tionmaps. They may also be purchased at Copies and
Fax, 171 Sunset Blvd., for a nominal cost.
Dani Palmer/EO Media Group
New stickers show the Haystack Rock icon to guide people in an emergency.