OPTIMUM SEISMIC, INC.
October 2026 NEWSLETTER
The Great ShakeOut 2026: Are Your Ready?
Ali Sahabi, GEC
Principal,
Optimum Seismic, Inc.
On October 15 at 10:15 a.m., communities across the country will participate in the 2026 Great ShakeOut, an annual earthquake preparedness drill that encourages everyone to practice “Drop, Cover and Hold On.” The exercise is an important reminder that knowing what to do when the ground starts shaking can help prevent injuries and save lives. Earthquakes can strike without warning, making preparation at home, at work and throughout our communities essential.
Preparedness, however, goes beyond practicing what to do during an earthquake. Strengthening vulnerable buildings through seismic retrofitting can help reduce the risk of structural damage, collapse, injuries and loss of life. At Optimum Seismic, we believe earthquake preparedness starts long before the shaking begins. The Great ShakeOut is a good reminder for property owners to understand their building’s vulnerabilities and take steps to strengthen them before the next major earthquake.
Scientists Say the West Coast’s Worst-Case Earthquake Isn’t the One Everybody Has Been Fearing
I’ve lived in Portland, Oregon, for nearly seven years, and I’ve been part of dozens of discussions—whether at bars or book clubs—regarding the “Big One,” the much-anticipated seismic apocalypse that threatens the Rose City along with Seattle, Vancouver, and (to a lesser extent) San Francisco. Scientists have modeled this doomsday scenario dozens of times, entire books have been written about it, and communities across the region have banded together in preparation. In other words, the “Big One” is definitely on people’s minds
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Panama suffers over 200 aftershocks after Friday’s 7.7-magnitude earthquake
Panama has recorded more than 200 aftershocks following Friday’s 7.7-magnitude earthquake that damaged hundreds of homes and infrastructure across the country’s central provinces, prompting the government to declare a national state of emergency over the weekend.
No deaths have been reported, but at least 27 people were injured and nearly 900 homes have been damaged, according to emergency authorities, though the figure could rise as assessments continue in remote communities.
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San Andreas Fault hits highest stress level in 1,000 years, study finds
Stress along the San Andreas and San Jacinto faults in Southern California has reached the highest levels in 1,000 years, according to new research from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
The study outlines implications for seismic hazard assessments in one of the nation’s most populated and infrastructure-critical regions.
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Washington’s shakiest decade: Four earthquakes in 10 years left a deadly toll
A major earthquake on the Seattle Fault could send a tsunami as high as 33 feet into Elliott Bay, a potentially devastating scenario that has renewed interest online in Washington’s earthquake risk.
While such an earthquake is considered rare, scientists say Washington’s history shows seismic activity does not always arrive at regular intervals.
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Making Our Cities Safer
Earthquake Retrofitting A-Z
Earthquake retrofitting can seem complicated, but understanding the process is the first step toward protecting your property. In our latest video, Optimum Seismic walks you through earthquake retrofitting from A to Z, explaining what property owners should know about identifying building vulnerabilities, engineering, permitting, and construction. Whether you’re considering a retrofit or already have a project underway, this video provides a helpful overview of what to expect and why strengthening your building before the next earthquake matters.
