Last week’s earthquake alert left many Grants Pass residents questioning the city and county’s preparedness for emergency events. At approximately 10:46 a.m., every cell phone in Grants Pass received a notification from the USGS ShakeAlert system, warning: “Earthquake Detected! Drop, Cover, Hold On. Protect Yourself.” Despite this widespread alert, reports from the courthouse and schools reveal glaring gaps in emergency protocol execution, raising concerns about the region’s ability to respond to actual disasters.
At Grants Pass High School, teachers reportedly instructed students to put their phones away when the alerts went off, leading to confusion about the appropriate course of action. Rather than taking immediate safety measures such as “Drop, Cover, and Hold On,” students were left uncertain about what to do. This incident has sparked concerns about whether school staff are adequately trained to handle emergency alerts, let alone an actual earthquake.
“Why weren’t we practicing what the alert instructed?” asked one concerned parent. “If a real earthquake hit, the hesitation we saw could cost lives.”
Meanwhile, at the courthouse, there was no clear guidance for occupants to take cover. Witnesses report no audible instructions, no visible signs of leadership, and no coordinated effort to implement safety protocols.
“I stood in place and heard nothing—no instructions, no alarms, no effort to move people to safety,” said one individual present during the alert. “If this was a test of readiness, we failed.”
The absence of coordinated leadership during the alert has placed Josephine County Emergency Director Michael Sellers under scrutiny. Sellers, who is responsible for overseeing disaster preparedness and response, has reportedly been absent from the office for weeks. This has led to frustration among residents and local officials who feel the county’s emergency management systems are adrift.
“Where is Michael Sellers, and why isn’t he addressing these concerns?” asked a local government employee who wished to remain anonymous. “His salary comes from taxpayer dollars, and we expect accountability. Yet, when we need him most, he’s nowhere to be found.”
Compounding the issue is the apparent lack of oversight for the county’s emergency management department. Without proper checks and balances, critical responsibilities like training, preparedness drills, and public education seem to have fallen by the wayside.
“This isn’t just about one person,” said another concerned resident. “It’s about a system that’s supposed to protect us and is clearly broken.”
The earthquake alert serves as a stark reminder of the need for a well-coordinated emergency response plan. Experts suggest mandatory drills for schools, businesses, and government buildings, as well as increased public awareness campaigns to ensure everyone knows how to respond during emergencies.
Josephine County residents deserve answers about the current state of emergency preparedness, starting with accountability from its leadership. Michael Sellers has yet to publicly address the issues raised by last week’s alert, leaving many to wonder: Is Grants Pass ready for the next emergency, or are we merely hoping for the best?
The ShakeAlert system did its job. The question now is, will Josephine County do theirs?
