Experts to Talk on Vashon’s Earthquake and Tsunami Risks

VashonBePrepared is celebrating our 5th anniversary by sponsoring two of the state’s foremost experts on Vashon’s unique earthquake and tsunami risks. Recent scientific reports, a number based on lessons from Japan’s devastating Tōhoku earthquake just a year ago, have all updated our understanding of the damage that will hit our region sometime in the coming decades or centuries. The only question is when - not if - it will occur.

Fortunately these experts can help homeowners and families understand what each of us can do to protect ourselves, families, pets, livestock, businesses and property from these predicted disasters. A large portion of the evening will be set aside to get your questions answered. Handouts for families, home and business owners will also be available.

Timothy J. Walsh is the Chief Hazard Geologist for the Department of Natural Resources within the Division of Geology and Earth Resources at the Washington Geological Survey.

Tim Walsh is a licensed engineering geologist and Geologic Hazards Program manager for the Washington Division of Geology and Earth Resources of the Department of Natural Resources. He has practiced geology in Washington for more than 30 years and taught at South Puget Sound Community College for 25 years. Tim has done extensive geologic mapping in all parts of the state and has done tsunami hazard mapping, active fault characterization, landslide, and abandoned coal mine hazard assessments. He has also directed and participated in a broad range of geologic hazard assessments and maps for land use and emergency management planning. He staffs the Washington State Seismic Safety Committee and represents Washington in the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program. Tim received Bachelors and Masters degrees in geology from UCLA.

John D. Schelling is the Earthquake Program Manager for Washington State Emergency Management Division. He is responsible for managing the seismic and natural hazard safety efforts in the state through the earthquake, tsunami, and volcano programs. He staffs the Washington State Seismic Safety Committee, Chairs the Washington State/Local Tsunami Work Group, which coordinates efforts to improve tsunami preparedness and mitigation efforts along the coast, and is currently serving as the State Co-Chair of the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program’s Mitigation & Education Subcommittee.

John also represents the National Emergency Management Association on the USGS Advanced National Seismic System Steering Committee. In addition to emergency management expertise, John has an extensive background in state and local government with an emphasis on policy analysis, land use planning, and implementation of smart growth management strategies. He has served as the Director of Planning and Community Development for the coastal community of Long Beach, Washington, Senior Planner for the City of SeaTac, Washington, and Principal Planner for the City of Pinellas Park, Florida. John Schelling received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of West Florida and Master’s Degree from the University of South Florida.

State Senator Sharon Nelson and Vashon Island Fire & Rescue Fire Chief Hank Lipe (also serving as Vashon’s Emergency Manager) are the evening’s honorary hosts. VashonBePrepared’s President John Cornelison will welcome the community.

The free meeting will be held Wednesday April 18th, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM, in the Chautauqua Elementary School’s Multipurpose Room, 9309 Southwest Cemetery Road, Vashon, WA. Very light refreshments will be served for those arriving directly from work