Living in Washington is the best… for the most part. But even though we’re surrounded by natural beauty and an abundance of fun things to do, there’s always a small underlying fear of the unknown nagging us. And the truth is, most of the things on this list are highly unlikely to happen to you… but no one else has to know that. If you’re concerned that Washington is becoming overcrowded, this is a great list to show potential new residents (hint, hint).
- The Big One
Tanya / Flickr Whether or not you live in Seattle, if the massive Cascadia earthquake that could literally happen any second did happen, you’d be affected. And if you do live in Western Washington, the consequences could be deadly. Yikes.
- A Tsunami
Thomas Leth-Olsen / Flickr If you’ve read up on this massive earthquake we’re due for, you’re probably aware that a colossal tsunami could follow. Great.
- Landslides
Arthaey Angosii / Flickr Landslides are pretty common in the state of Washington, and the majority of them happen when no one is around. But if you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time, you may not be so lucky. The Oso community is still reeling from the devastating mudslide of 2014 that killed over 40 people.
- Cougars
Art G. / Flickr You may think cougars are something you’d only have to worry about when you’re in the mountains. And while this is mostly true, they’ve been spotted in many residential neighborhoods as recently as a few months ago (in Yakima). North America’s largest cat is known to stalk and kill its prey, which isn’t a very comforting thought if you live in the country.
- Tornados
NOAA Photo Library / Flickr Think we’re kidding? Tornadoes in Washington are rare, but they happen. And in 1972, a deadly tornado struck Vancouver, killing six people and injuring many more.
- Volcanoes
Jim Culp / Flickr Let’s not forget that there are FIVE active volcanoes in Washington, all located in the Cascade range. The Mount Saint Helens eruption in 1980 killed 57 people, and depending on which one erupted today, the death toll could be much higher.
- Serial killers
cea + / Flickr It’s not something we like to brag about, but a lot of serial killers are from Washington. What’s up with that?
- Rattlesnakes
Shawn Rossi / Flickr If you live in Western Washington, one thing you don’t have to worry about is rattlesnakes. But if you live or hike in Eastern Washington, know that they are out there, hiding and lurking. In actuality, they’re just living their lives and minding their own business, but it’s still a bit unsettling to think about.
- Sitting in endless traffic, longing to be anywhere else.
Oran Viriyincy / Flickr OK, this probably won’t kill you… but sometimes it sure seems like it will.
Nervous yet? Again, these are all things that are pretty unlikely to happen to you. But not everyone has to know that, so use this list to make sure future Washingtonians are serious about their decision to live here. Then show them this list.
Tanya / Flickr
Whether or not you live in Seattle, if the massive Cascadia earthquake that could literally happen any second did happen, you’d be affected. And if you do live in Western Washington, the consequences could be deadly. Yikes.
Thomas Leth-Olsen / Flickr
If you’ve read up on this massive earthquake we’re due for, you’re probably aware that a colossal tsunami could follow. Great.
Arthaey Angosii / Flickr
Landslides are pretty common in the state of Washington, and the majority of them happen when no one is around. But if you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time, you may not be so lucky. The Oso community is still reeling from the devastating mudslide of 2014 that killed over 40 people.
Art G. / Flickr
You may think cougars are something you’d only have to worry about when you’re in the mountains. And while this is mostly true, they’ve been spotted in many residential neighborhoods as recently as a few months ago (in Yakima). North America’s largest cat is known to stalk and kill its prey, which isn’t a very comforting thought if you live in the country.
NOAA Photo Library / Flickr
Think we’re kidding? Tornadoes in Washington are rare, but they happen. And in 1972, a deadly tornado struck Vancouver, killing six people and injuring many more.
Jim Culp / Flickr
Let’s not forget that there are FIVE active volcanoes in Washington, all located in the Cascade range. The Mount Saint Helens eruption in 1980 killed 57 people, and depending on which one erupted today, the death toll could be much higher.
cea + / Flickr
It’s not something we like to brag about, but a lot of serial killers are from Washington. What’s up with that?
Shawn Rossi / Flickr
If you live in Western Washington, one thing you don’t have to worry about is rattlesnakes. But if you live or hike in Eastern Washington, know that they are out there, hiding and lurking. In actuality, they’re just living their lives and minding their own business, but it’s still a bit unsettling to think about.
Oran Viriyincy / Flickr
OK, this probably won’t kill you… but sometimes it sure seems like it will.
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