With an earthquake due to shake up the Pacific Northwest in the not so distant future, Portland has provided an online map to identify potentially vulnerable buildings in danger of suffering major damage when the big one hits.
Following the leads of Seattle and Los Angeles, the city of Portland, Oregon has released an updated database and interactive online map identifying buildings at risk during a sizable earthquake. Laura Frazier reports in The Oregonian:
The map shows buildings that are believed to be of "unreinforced masonry,' construction or URM, according to the city. Buildings designated as URM in Portland are often historically significant, but can be dangerous for occupants and the general public in the event of an earthquake.
The city caveats the information, noting that because a building is on the list doesn't mean it will fail during an earthquake. Additional factors, including the soil type the building is constructed on can play a significant role in how well it stands up to ground shaking.
FULL STORY: Map shows Portland buildings that could be at risk during earthquake
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