Preparing for Disaster

April is Emergency Communications Month at the Cybersecurity Infrastructure & Security Agency (CISA).

With its verdant landscapes and bustling cities, the Pacific Northwest is also home to one of the most significant seismic threats in the United States: the Cascadia Subduction Zone. Stretching from northern Vancouver Island to northern California, this fault line represents a geological boundary and a looming challenge for Vancouver, WA, and Portland, OR.

The Cascadia Subduction Zone, where the Juan de Fuca Plate is sliding beneath the North American Plate, has a history of producing massive earthquakes with magnitudes up to 9.0 or higher. The last such event occurred in 1700, sending a tsunami across the Pacific and jolting the region with ground-shaking of several minutes. Today, the implications for Vancouver and Portland metropolitan areas could be catastrophic, with scientists estimating a 1 in 3 chance of a significant quake in the next 50 years.

The risks associated with such an event are manifold. Infrastructure, much of which was built before the advent of modern seismic standards, could suffer extensive damage. This includes bridges, roads, and buildings, potentially isolating communities and hampering emergency response efforts. The economic impact could be staggering, with estimates suggesting billions of dollars in damages.

Moreover, the region's geography exacerbates the risk. The soft soils along the Columbia River, which both cities straddle, are particularly susceptible to liquefaction—a process where solid ground behaves like a liquid during intense shaking. This could lead to the collapse of structures, the severing of utility lines, and even landslides, further complicating rescue and recovery operations.

There are always risks of disaster. Whether it’s from earthquakes, forest fires, or a utility outage, this is the big one that keeps me up at night. I wonder how well the companies I work with will be prepared, specifically when communicating with employees and customers during a crisis. Now’s a good time to review IT Disaster Recovery Plans (DRP’s) and think about how emergency communication would go without Internet, mobile, text, and landline service; how would the business concern keep functioning?

In conclusion, while the beauty of the Pacific Northwest is undeniable, so is the threat posed by the Cascadia Subduction Zone. It underscores the need for continued investment in seismic research, building retrofits, and emergency preparedness efforts. For residents of Vancouver and Portland, understanding and preparing for these risks is not just prudent—it's imperative.

Do you have questions concerning your strategic position with an IT DRP? Contact me. Let’s talk it through.

The Problem of Electronic Waste in Vancouver, WA

In today's fast-paced world, electronic gadgets have become inseparable from our daily lives. However, rapid technological advancements and the constant desire for the latest devices have led to a significant issue—electronic waste, or e-waste. Electronic waste has grown to record levels. This refers to discarded electronic products; their management is a pressing concern, especially in places like Vancouver.

E-waste includes various items, from smartphones and laptops to refrigerators and televisions. The problem with these discarded items is their sheer volume and their harmful substances, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. When improperly disposed of, these substances can contaminate our soil and water, posing serious environmental and health risks.

Vancouver, WA, is taking strides to manage this issue effectively. The city offers various e-waste recycling programs, encouraging residents to responsibly dispose of their electronic items. These programs help reduce environmental pollution and recover valuable materials like gold, silver, and copper, which can be reused in manufacturing new products.

For individuals unfamiliar with technology or e-waste, it's essential to understand the importance of proper disposal. Participating in local recycling programs, donating functional electronics for reuse, and choosing eco-friendly gadgets are small steps that make a big difference.

For a complete list of drop-off locations in Clark County, use Recycling A-Z and type "electronic materials" into the search box.

By taking action, the residents of Vancouver, WA, can lead by example and showcase how community efforts can combat the growing problem of electronic waste. Let's all do our part in creating a sustainable future.

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The Case for a 32-Hour Work Week

The 40-hour work week is ingrained in American culture, but is it truly the most efficient work model? Let's explore why a shift to a 32-hour work week could be the solution we've been overlooking.

Studies have shown that longer hours don't necessarily equate to higher productivity. In fact, according to a study by VoucherCloud, the average worker is only productive for about 2 hours and 53 minutes per day. The remaining time is often filled with distractions, fatigue, and burnout, leading to diminished returns.

In the States, AI and automation have increased productivity levels in the American workforce. Senator Bernie Sanders introduced a bill to the floor in March 2024 to mandate a 32-hour week. And why shouldn’t the American worker receive a dividend from increasing automation? It certainly hasn’t been wage growth — wages have been stagnant in the US since 1970; those profits haven’t been passed to the labor force. Why shouldn’t they get more time?

Moreover, a shorter work week has been linked to numerous employee and employer benefits. Employees experience improved work-life balance, reduced stress levels, and increased job satisfaction. This, in turn, leads to higher retention rates and lower absenteeism, ultimately boosting productivity and morale. See? It’s good for business, too.

Countries like Sweden have already experimented with shorter work weeks, with promising results. In a trial conducted by the Swedish government, nurses in a care home were switched to a 6-hour work day, resulting in higher energy levels, better patient care, and lower turnover rates.

Advocates for the 32-hour work week argue that it enhances individual well-being and fosters a more sustainable economy. With increased leisure time, people have more opportunities for personal growth, spending time with loved ones, and pursuing hobbies—all of which contribute to a healthier and happier society.

The 40-hour workweek may have been the norm for decades, but it's time to reconsider its effectiveness in today's labor market. Embracing a 32-hour work week could lead to happier, more productive employees and a more balanced society.